What is a requirement for information under 37 CFR 1.105?

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 requirement for information under 37 CFR 1.105 is a request made by the patent examiner to the applicant for additional information that is deemed necessary for the examination of a patent application. The MPEP states that:

A requirement for information under 37 CFR 1.105 should be narrowly specified and limited in scope. It is a significant burden on both the applicant and the Office since the applicant must collect and submit the required information and the examiner must consider all the information that is submitted.

This means that the requirement should be specific and focused on information that is truly necessary for the examination process.