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Tag Archives: First Action Interview

USPTO Extends First Action Interview Program Through November 16

Posted by Courtenay Brinckerhoff on Posted in Patent Office Practice

The USPTO has extended the Full First Action Interview Pilot Program to November 16, 2012. According to the notice available on the USPTO’s website, the USPTO is “analyzing feedback obtained in response to the July 9, 2012 request for comments,” which were due by August 8, 2012.Continue reading this entry

USPTO Extends First Action Interview Program Through August 16

Posted by Courtenay Brinckerhoff on Posted in Patent Office Practice

The USPTO has extended the Full First Action Interview Pilot Program to August 16, 2012. According to the Federal Register Notice, the USPTO is “completing a comprehensive review of the program, deciding what, if any, adjustments should be made to the program, and whether the program should be extended further or made permanent.” The USPTO is soliciting public comments on the program, and will consider written comments received by August 8, 2012.Continue reading this entry

Did The Pilot Light Go Out On The First Action Interview Program?

Posted by Courtenay Brinckerhoff on Posted in Patent Office Practice

The USPTO’s Full First Action Interview Pilot Program expired on May 16, 2012. Although I heard rumors that the program was going to be extended, it has not been extended as of the publication date of this article, and the USPTO’s designated contact person for this program could not indicate whether or when the program might be extended.

As I wrote in this article, the USPTO promoted the program as a way to advance prosecution, enhance interaction between the applicant and the examiner, resolve issues one-on-one with the examiner early in prosecution, and facilitate early allowance. I have several applications in the program, and agree that it is a useful option for applicants.

I hope the USPTO extends (or reinstates) the program, but even if it does not, it should provide an analysis of the program—including metrics reflecting its advantages and drawbacks—and an explanation of why it was not continued.

Update May 23, 2012: According to a note on the USPTO website the program now has been extended/reinstated.

Tidbits From IPO PTO Day

Posted by Courtenay Brinckerhoff on Posted in Patent Office Practice

I was co-chair of last week’s IPO PTO Day conference, and it was a great event. The program included several speakers from the USPTO, including Commissioner for Patents Bob Stoll, Deputy Commissioner for Patents Peggy Focarino, Chief Administrative Patent Judge James Smith, Vice Chief Administrative Patent Judge James Moore, and Administrative Patent Judge Michael Tierney. Director Kappos gave the luncheon address. Here are some interesting tidbits of the information that they shared.

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