What should be considered during an appeal conference?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 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. During an appeal conference, examiners should consider several aspects of the case. According to MPEP 1207.01 : “During the appeal conference, consideration should be given to the possibility of dropping cumulative art rejections and eliminating technical rejections of doubtful value.” The main points to consider include: The merits of the issues on appeal Possibility of dropping cumulative art rejections Eliminating technical rejections of doubtful value Weighing the arguments presented by other examiners during the conference The goal is to ensure that only strong and relevant rejections are maintained in the examiner’s answer. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Consider Dropping Cumulative Rejections MPEP 1207.01 Recommended Mandatory Appeal Conference for Acceptable Briefs MPEP 1207.01 Recommended Examiner Must Indicate Appeal Conference Held MPEP 1207.01 No Time Extensions for Examiner’s Answer Period MPEP 1207 Weigh Arguments Before Preparing Examiner's Answer MPEP 1207.01 Recommended Examiners and SPE Must Attend Appeal Conferences MPEP 1207.01 Recommended List Appeal Conferees on Examiner's Answer MPEP 1207.01 Recommended Initials Required for Appeal Participants MPEP 1207.01 Required Designate New Ground of Rejection Clearly MPEP 1207.01 Required Director Approval Required for New Grounds of Rejection MPEP 1207.01 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is an appeal conference in patent examination? How is an appeal conference documented in the examiner&#8217;s answer? What is required for new grounds of rejection in an examiner&#8217;s answer? Can an examiner avoid an appeal conference? What are the procedural requirements for con...