The Name Game
We received a request to discuss the titles and names used by Examiners, attorneys, and guests during interviews at the USPTO. It’s an area in… Read More »The Name Game
Examiners
Examiner Experience Levels
We frequently receive questions regarding the experience levels of Examiners. How can an Applicant know the seniority of the Examiner examining their case? First, it… Read More »Examiner Experience Levels
Generalizing Species
Our friend, Nüni, pointed out we did not follow-up from our blog post regarding Obviousness of Species. Specifically, we explained that USPTO Examiners (particularly, mechanical… Read More »Generalizing Species
Preparing an Interview Agenda
Recently, we were asked how we prefer to prepare an interview agenda with an Examiner at the USPTO. One of the defining characteristics of contemporary… Read More »Preparing an Interview Agenda
Identifying the “Point of Novelty”
We were asked whether we ever identify the “point of novelty” in the claims during prosecution of a utility patent application. At the outset, the… Read More »Identifying the “Point of Novelty”
Seriously, Bro
Frequently, an Applicant will amend an independent claim based on a feature from a dependent claim. The next Office communication seems to consider more thoroughly… Read More »Seriously, Bro
What Counts
USPTO Examiners are evaluated partially on their production. This production is largely determined by the count system. The count system is not discussed in the… Read More »What Counts
On Burden-Shifting
During our US Prosecution Study Group, Session 20, we discussed shifting the burden back to the Examiner. On the other hand, we privately considered problems… Read More »On Burden-Shifting
End of Year Planning
It is time to prepare for the end of 2020. Even if a company’s fiscal year does not conclude with the calendar year, a company… Read More »End of Year Planning
Device in a Box
Some patent applications discuss networks including a single server and a single client. As a result, when claiming one device (for example, Client A), the… Read More »Device in a Box