What should be done before requesting an interview after final rejection?

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.

Before requesting an interview after final rejection, it’s important to clearly communicate the purpose and content of the proposed interview. The MPEP 713.09 states:

Prior to the interview, the intended purpose and content of the interview should be presented briefly, preferably in writing.

This preparation helps the examiner determine if the interview is likely to be productive and worth conducting.