What is Form PTO-326 and how is it used in patent examination?

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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. Form PTO-326, also known as the ‘Office Action Summary’, is a document used by patent examiners to summarize the status of all claims presented for examination. MPEP 707.07(i) states: Each action should include a summary of the status of all claims presented for examination. Form PTO-326 ‘Office Action Summary’ should be used. This form provides a concise overview of the current state of each claim in the patent application, making it easier for both examiners and applicants to track the progress of the examination. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse First Office Action Summary Required MPEP 707 Permitted Each Claim Must Be Mentioned in Office Action MPEP 707.07(i) Recommended Each Claim Must Be Mentioned and Its Status Summarized in Each Office Action MPEP 707.07(i) Recommended First Office Action Must Identify Allowed Claims MPEP 707 First Office Action Requires Informal Patent Application Notice MPEP 707 Each Claim Must Be Mentioned and Treated in Office Action MPEP 707.07(i) Recommended Office Action Includes Disclosures and Allowable Subject Matter MPEP 707 Permitted Form Paragraphs Must Conclude Actions MPEP 707 Recommended Conclusion Paragraph Required for All Actions MPEP 707 Recommended Matters Unrelated to Examination Not Included in Office Action MPEP 707 Recommended Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How should patent examiners handle claims in each Office action? How are claims handled after a restriction requirement or election of species? What is the purpose of maintaining claim numbers throughout patent prosecution? How should examiners handle multiple dependent claims in patent applications? What is the Index of Claims and how shoul...