What types of patent actions require a primary examiner’s signature?
Several types of patent actions require the signature of a primary examiner, even when an examiner has partial signatory authority. According to MPEP 1005, these actions include:
- Allowances (MPEP § 1302.13)
- Examiner’s amendments (MPEP § 1302.04)
- Final rejections (MPEP §§ 706.07 and 803.01)
- Withdrawal of final rejection (MPEP §§ 706.07(d) and 706.07(e))
- Examiner’s answers on appeal (MPEP § 1207)
- Actions reopening prosecution (MPEP § 1214.07)
- Rejection of previously allowed claim (MPEP § 706.04)
This requirement ensures that these critical actions are reviewed by a more experienced examiner before being issued.
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