What happens if the required information is unknown or not readily available?

If the information required by the USPTO is unknown or not readily available to the party from which it was requested, the applicant may still provide a complete reply. According to MPEP 704.10:

Any reply to a requirement for information pursuant to this section that states either that the information required to be submitted is unknown to or is not readily available to the party or parties from which it was requested may be accepted as a complete reply.

This provision acknowledges that in some cases, the requested information may genuinely be unavailable or unknown to the applicant. By allowing such a response to be considered complete, the USPTO ensures that applicants are not unduly burdened by requirements for information they cannot reasonably provide.

To learn more:

• Patent Examination
• Information Requirements
• USPTO Procedures
• Patent Application Responses