What is the USPTO’s strategy for efficient patent examination?

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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. The USPTO emphasizes efficiency in the patent examination process. According to MPEP 707.02 : The supervisory patent examiners should impress upon their assistants that the shortest path to the final disposition of an application is by finding the best references on the first search and carefully applying them. This guidance underscores the importance of conducting thorough initial searches and carefully applying the most relevant references. The goal is to streamline the examination process and reach a final disposition as efficiently as possible, reducing the need for multiple Office actions and prolonged examination periods. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Best References on First Search Required MPEP 707.02 Recommended Office Actions for Ex Parte Reexamination MPEP 707 Office Actions for Inter Partes Reexamination MPEP 707 First Office Action Must Identify Allowed Claims MPEP 707 Examiner Must Cite Best References for Obviousness Rejections MPEP 707 Required First Office Action Requires Informal Patent Application Notice MPEP 707 Response to Office Actions Requires Specific Information MPEP 707 Recommended Office Action Includes Disclosures and Allowable Subject Matter MPEP 707 Permitted First Office Action Summary Required MPEP 707 Permitted Form Paragraphs Must Conclude Actions MPEP 707 Recommended Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What does the MPEP say about applications up for third action? What is the role of supervisory patent examiners in the examination process? What does it mean for a patent application to be considered &#8216;special&#8217;? How does the USPTO handle applications pending for 5 years or more? What is the significan...