What should be discussed in a patent examination interview?

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.

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.