Why are interviews prohibited in supplemental examination proceedings?

Interviews are prohibited in supplemental examination proceedings to ensure efficient processing within the statutory timeframe. The MPEP explains:

“This requirement will assist the Office to process the request for supplemental examination within the three-month statutory period.”

The prohibition on interviews helps streamline the supplemental examination process, allowing the USPTO to complete its review within the mandated three-month period. This rule ensures that all supplemental examination requests are treated uniformly and processed in a timely manner.

To learn more:

• supplemental examination
• interview prohibition
• statutory period
• USPTO efficiency