Discussions between an applicant and a patent examiner are important to advance the prosecution of a patent application. Generally, interviews that improve the mutual understanding of specific issues in a patent application should be promoted. Properly conducted, a patent examiner interview can bridge the gap between the patent examiner and an applicant with regard to the substantive matters at issue in an application. Patent examiner interviews often help to advance prosecution and identify patentable subject matter. The applicant and the patent examiner should consider the advantages of conducting an interview to advance the prosecution of a particular patent application. Positions presented during an interview should be advanced with decorum and courtesy. As a result of the patent examiner interview, the file wrapper may be reduced.

• MPEP 713

Practice Tip

A well conducted interview may reduce the written response provided to the patent office.  A shorter file history is generally good and may make a granted patent more valuable.