What is the purpose of conducting a thorough search during patent examination?
The purpose of conducting a thorough search during patent examination is to enable a speedy and just determination of the issues involved. According to MPEP 904.03, It is a prerequisite to a speedy and just determination of the issues involved in the examination of an application that a thorough and complete search, commensurate with the limitations appearing in the most detailed claims in the case, be made in preparing the first action on the merits so that the second action on the merits can be made final or the application allowed with no further searching other than to update the original search.
This thorough search allows examiners to address all potential issues early in the examination process, potentially leading to a more efficient and timely resolution of the application.
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