What is a supplemental amendment in patent prosecution?
A supplemental amendment is an additional reply filed after an initial response to an Office action. According to MPEP 714.03(a), supplemental replies are not entered as a matter of right, except in specific circumstances. The MPEP states:
‘Supplemental replies will not be entered as a matter of right, except when a supplemental reply is filed within a suspended period under 37 CFR 1.103(a) or (c) (e.g., a suspension of action requested by the applicant when filing an RCE).’
The Office may, however, enter a supplemental reply if it meets certain criteria, such as cancellation of claims or adoption of examiner suggestions.
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