What should be included in the first action regarding formal matters?

According to MPEP 707.07(a), the first action should include:

  • Any form that lists informalities
  • Any additional formal requirements the examiner desires to make

The MPEP states: “Any form that lists informalities and any additional formal requirements which the examiner desires to make should be included in the first action.” This ensures that applicants are fully aware of all formal issues that need to be addressed early in the examination process.

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Tags: formal requirements, patent examination, USPTO procedure