What is the sequence of examination in patent applications involving multiple Technology Centers?
The sequence of examination for patent applications involving multiple Technology Centers (TCs) is determined by the supervisory patent examiners. According to MPEP 705.01(b), if the supervisory patent examiners cannot agree on the order of examination, the following process is followed:
- The supervisory patent examiner with jurisdiction over the application directs a complete search of the relevant art for their claims.
- The results of this search are shared with the other TC involved.
- If the supervisory patent examiners believe a different search sequence would be more efficient, they can modify the order accordingly.
As stated in the MPEP: “If the supervisory patent examiners are of the opinion that a different sequence of search is expedient, the order of search should be correspondingly modified.”
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