What types of information can be requested in a requirement for information?
Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10
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.
A requirement for information under 37 CFR 1.105 can request various types of information, including:
- Citations and copies of individual art references
- Identification of whole collections of art
- Answers to specific questions
- Factual information known to the applicant
- Information about the existence of specific documents
- Stipulations of facts
The MPEP provides specific form paragraphs for different types of requests, such as:
- Stipulations of facts (Form Paragraph 7.105.01)
- Interrogatories for factual information (Form Paragraph 7.105.02)
- Requests for prior art search results (Form Paragraph 7.118)
- Requests for copies of publications (Form Paragraph 7.114)
The type of information requested should be relevant to the examination and within the scope specified in the requirement.