POST FILING PROCEDURE FOR PATENT APPLICATIONS AND ROLES
What is a USPTO Office Action? An office action sets forth the basis for any objections, rejections, and allowability.
What does a rejection mean? Rejections are a normal part of the process. • They help define what is patentable. • Often due to existing prior art. – The examiner must have a basis to believe someone else may have come up with what you invented before you. Don’t worry, the rejections can often be overcome.
ROLE OF THE USPTO EXAMINER
Read and understand the application • Search for prior art • Evaluate the specification and claim(s) • Respond by office action(s) describing findings • Hold interviews, as requested
ROLE OF THE APPLICANT
File a complete application • Disclose all known prior art • In response to examiner office actions.
WITH AN INTERVIEW THERE IS A BIG POSSIBILITY TO GET A NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE.
Allowances: A notice of allowance indicates all objections and rejections have been overcome and your application is ready for issuance.