What is the examiner’s responsibility when applicant traverses a rejection?

When an applicant traverses a rejection, the examiner has a responsibility to address the applicant’s arguments. As stated in MPEP 707.07(f):

Where the applicant traverses any rejection, the examiner should, if they repeat the rejection, take note of the applicant’s argument and answer the substance of it.

This means the examiner must carefully consider the applicant’s arguments and provide a clear, substantive response to maintain the clarity of the prosecution history.

To learn more:

• patent examination
• office action response
• applicant arguments
• examiner duties