Who can an examiner contact for interviews regarding a patent application?

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.

According to the MPEP, an examiner can contact the patent practitioner of record in the application for interviews. The MPEP states:

When the examiner believes the progress of the application would be advanced by an interview, the examiner may contact the patent practitioner of record in the application (in accordance with MPEP § 713) and suggest a telephonic, personal, or video conference interview.

It’s important to note that registered attorneys or agents not of record should not be contacted for certain actions, such as restriction requirements or approval of examiner’s amendments.