What is the purpose of an interview summary in patent applications?
What is the purpose of an interview summary in patent applications?
An interview summary serves as an official record of the discussion between the examiner and the applicant or their representative during a patent application interview. According to MPEP 713.04:
“A complete written statement as to the substance of any face-to-face, video conference, or telephone interview with regard to an application must be made of record in the application whether or not an agreement with the examiner was reached at the interview.”
The purpose of an interview summary is to:
- Document the key points discussed during the interview
- Record any agreements or disagreements between the examiner and the applicant
- Provide a clear reference for future examination and potential appeals
- Ensure transparency in the patent examination process
Both the examiner and the applicant should review the interview summary to ensure its accuracy and completeness. This document becomes part of the official patent application file and can be crucial in resolving disputes or clarifying the prosecution history.
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