Uspto Examiner Interview Request: Fill & Download for Free

I can’t guarantee that my firm is the cheapest (in fact, I know we’re not), but we do execute time-proven strategies to reduce the overall pendency and cost of a utility patent application.Do a Prior Art Search Before Filing a Non-Provisional ApplicationAn effective patentability search can save 6–18 months of pendency and several thousand dollars in legal fees. Knowing what already exists before you file enables your patent attorney or agent to start with claims that go beyond the features shown in the prior art. This can save an Office Action or two during the course of prosecution.You can start by searching Google Patents yourself. If you find prior art references that are very close, you just save yourself some money by not paying for a professional search. If you don’t find anything close, then consider a professional search by an experienced practitioner (e.g., former USPTO examiner).Take Advantage of Examiner InterviewsWhen responding to an Office Action rejection (and your app will be rejected), it helps to discuss proposed claim amendments and arguments with the USPTO examiner. Your representative will gain valuable feedback that may lead to further refinement of the amendments and arguments that go into the written response. This option could also save you from a further Office Action.If Responding to a Final Office Action, Consider AFCPIf the examiner is willing to consider an after-final response, then a request under the After-Final Consideration Pilot (AFCP) may be appropriate. If the examiner is unwilling to consider an after-final response, you’ll need to file a Request for Continued Examination (RCE) which requires a high USPTO fee.

If that occurs you (or the examiner) may request an interview and there are avenues of appeal - seek advice from a patent / IP attorney.Patent offices are interested in granting patents including getting more fees.Patent examiners in many countries have a reputation of being very helpful to applicants representing themselves rather than professional representation, esp. USPTO examiners who upon request and where they believe the applicant has patentable subject matter must write at least one good claim for the inventor that they - the examiner - will accept.(Many years ago the USPTO also used to prepare illustrations for inventors but sadly no longer.)

Step 1, Applicant - Has your inventionalready been patented?Search the Patent Full-Text and Full-Page Image DatabasesIf already patented, end of processIf not already patented, continue totoStep 2, Applicant - What type ofApplication are you filing?Design Patent (ornamentalcharacteristics)Plant Patent (new variety of asexuallyreproduced plant)Utility Patent (most common) (usefulprocess, machine, article ofmanufacture, composition of matter)Step 3, Applicant - Determine FilingStrategyFile Globally?Need international protection?File in U.S.? - continue to Step 4Step 4, Applicant - Which type of UtilityPatent Application to file?Provisional orNonprovisionalStep 5, Applicant - Consider expeditedexaminationPrioritized ExaminationAccelerated Examination ProgramFirst Action InterviewPatent Prosecution HighwayStep 6, Applicant - Who Should File?File yourself (Pro Se)Use a Registered Attorney or Agent(Recommended)Step 7, Applicant - Prepare for electronicfilingDetermine Application processing feesApply for a Customer Number andDigital CertificateStep 8, Applicant - Apply for Patent usingElectronic Filing System as a Registerede-Filer (Recommended)About EFS WebStep 9, USPTO - USPTO examinesapplicationCheck Application StatusAllowed?Yes, go to Step 12No, continue to Step 10Step 10, Applicant - Applicant files repliesrequests for reconsideration, and appealsas necessaryStep 11, USPTO - If objections andrejection of the examiner are overcome,USPTO sends Notice of Allowance andFee(s) dueStep 12, Applicant - Applicant pays theissue fee and the publication feeUSPTO Grants PatentStep 13, Applicant - Maintenance fees due3 1/2, 7 1/2, and 11 1/2 years after patentgrant