What is a bona fide attempt to respond in patent applications?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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. A bona fide attempt to respond in patent applications refers to an applicant’s genuine effort to address all the issues raised by the examiner in the previous Office action. According to MPEP 714.03 , “A bona fide attempt to respond to the prior Office action must be considered on its merits.” This means that even if an amendment doesn’t fully comply with all requirements, it should still be considered if it shows a sincere attempt to advance the application. The examiner should evaluate the response and determine whether it addresses the substantive issues raised in the Office action, even if it’s not perfect or complete. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Amendment After Final Office Action Must Place Application in Condition for Allowance MPEP 714.03 Amendments Must Comply with Section Provisions for Provisional Applications MPEP 714 Required Requirement for Non-Final Office Action Response MPEP 714.03 Recommended Response to Final Office Action Required to Avoid Abandonment MPEP 714 Amendments Must Comply with Revised Rules MPEP 714 Inadvertent Omission Not Constituting Bona Fide Reply MPEP 714.03 Examiner's Discretion for Final Office Action Reply MPEP 714.03 Amendment Must Substantially Respond to Rejections MPEP 714.03 Permitted Treatment of Amendment Depends on Bona Fide Status and Time for Reply MPEP 714.03 Authorization Required Within Last Office Action Time Period MPEP 714 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How does the USPTO handle amendments that are not fully responsive? How can patent applicants avoid abandonment of their application? What happens if an applicant fails to respond to a non-responsive amendment notice? What ha...