What should be discussed in a patent examination interview?

Patent examination interviews should focus on substantive matters related to the application. According to MPEP 713.01:

Interviews should be had only for the discussion and resolution of issues relating to the application.

Topics that may be discussed include:

  • Patentability of claims
  • Rejections or objections in a pending Office action
  • Proposed amendments to overcome rejections
  • Evidence of nonobviousness
  • Clarification of the invention or claims

The interview should not be used for purely procedural matters that can be handled by written correspondence.

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