What is the purpose of interviews prior to first Office action in patent applications?

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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. Interviews prior to the first Office action in patent applications serve several important purposes: To discuss and clarify the invention and claims To identify and resolve potential issues early in the examination process To expedite prosecution by addressing concerns before formal Office actions To establish a better understanding between the examiner and the applicant As stated in MPEP 713.02 : ‘Interviews that are solely for the purpose of sounding out the examiner … should not be permitted.’ This emphasizes that interviews should have a substantive purpose related to advancing prosecution. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Interview Before First Office Action Encouraged for Non-Continuing Applications MPEP 713.02 Interview Before First Office Action Encouraged MPEP 713.02 Permitted Interview With Examiner Before First Office Action MPEP 713.02 Recommended Interviews to Advance Patent Prosecution MPEP 713 Interview to Advance Patent Prosecution Recommended MPEP 713 Recommended Interviews Help Advance Patent Prosecution and Identify Patentable Subject Matter MPEP 713 Positions Presented During Interviews Should Be Advanced with Decorum and Courtesy MPEP 713 Recommended Summary of Interview Where No Electronic Record Exists MPEP 713 Required Interview to Bridge Examiner-Applicant Gap MPEP 713 Permitted Interviews to Clarify Application Issues Recommended MPEP 713 Recommended Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is the purpose of an interview prior to first official action in patent examination? What should be discussed in an interview prior to first official action in patent examination? Can an examiner suggest claim amendments during an inter...