When should an application with interfering claims be issued if examination is completed?
According to MPEP 2303.01, an application with interfering claims should be issued promptly if its examination is completed and all claims are allowable, even if there is another pending application with potentially interfering claims that has not completed examination.
The MPEP provides this example: “Two applications, C and D, which are both subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(g), with interfering claims are pending. Examination of application C is completed and all claims are allowable. Examination of application D is not completed. Application C should be issued promptly.“
This approach prioritizes the timely issuance of patents and avoids unnecessary delays. The issued patent may then serve as prior art against the still-pending application, or if necessary, priority issues can be addressed later through appropriate procedures.
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