What should examiners do to assist in providing copies of references?

The MPEP 707.05(a) provides guidance for examiners to assist in providing copies of references:

1. Type the citation of the references on form PTO-892, ‘Notice of References Cited’ using Official Correspondence.
2. Include all references cited by the examiner which are to be furnished to the applicant in the action folder.
3. Forward the action to the TC mailbox for counting after any necessary review.

The MPEP emphasizes: Any application which is submitted without all of the required references will be returned to the examiner. The missing reference(s) should be obtained and the file returned to the technical support staff as quickly as possible.

To learn more:

• patent examiner
• PTO-892
• Notice of References Cited
• action folder
• TC mailbox