What form paragraph can be used for a bona fide incomplete reply?

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

For a bona fide incomplete reply, examiners can use form paragraph 7.95. The MPEP states:

“Where the reply is a bona fide reply, form paragraph 7.95 may be used.”

Form paragraph 7.95 is titled “Bona Fide, Non-Responsive Amendments” and provides a template for examiners to communicate with applicants about incomplete responses while giving them an opportunity to complete their reply.