When should an interview be granted during patent examination?

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.

An interview should be granted when it can contribute to the progress of the patent application. According to MPEP 713: “An interview should be granted when the nature of the case is such that the interview serves to develop or clarify outstanding issues in an application.”

This means interviews are particularly useful when they can:

  • Help develop or clarify issues in the application
  • Advance the prosecution of the application
  • Identify patentable subject matter
Tags: patent examination, patent interviews, USPTO procedure