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(116) Extension of the Full First Action Interview Pilot Program
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published a notice
to implement the Full First Action Interview (FAI) Pilot Program. See Full
First Action Interview Pilot Program, 1367 Off. Gaz. Pat. Office 42 (June
7, 2011). Under the program, participants are permitted to conduct an
interview with the examiner after reviewing a Pre-Interview Communication
providing the results of a prior art search conducted by the examiner.
Participants experienced many benefits including: (1) the ability to
advance prosecution of an application; (2) enhanced interaction between
applicant and the examiner; (3) the opportunity to resolve patentability
issues one-on-one with the examiner at the beginning of the prosecution
process; and (4) the opportunity to facilitate possible early allowance.
The Full First Action Interview Pilot Program expanded the eligibility
criteria to all utility applications of the previous Enhanced First Action
Interview Pilot Program. See Enhanced First Action Interview Pilot
Program, 1347 Off. Gaz. Pat. Office 173 (October 20, 2009).
The USPTO is extending the Full FAI Pilot Program until November 16,
2012. During this time, the Office will be analyzing feedback obtained in
response to the July 9, 2012 request for comments notice to determine
whether to modify the program's procedure and to determine the future of
the program. See Extension of the Full First Action Interview Pilot
Program and Request for Comments, 77 Fed. Reg. 40,342 (July 9, 2012).
Inquiries concerning a specific application should be directed to the
appropriate Technology Center. Questions concerning this notice or the
program may be directed to Joseph Weiss, Legal Advisor, Office of Patent
Legal Administration (by phone (571) 272-7759, or e-mailed to
first.action.interview@uspto.gov).
August 13, 2012 DAVID J. KAPPOS
Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and
Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
[1382 OG 254]
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