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Video Conference Interviews 2 Sean Hagan Director of the Midwest Regional United States Patent and Trademark Office Webinar for Knobbe Martens January 22, 2016

Overview Interview Statistics and Survey results Simplifying the Interview request process Video Conference tool (WebEx) highlights Interview Resources  Interview Specialist  Public Interview Rooms  Website & box 3

Interview Time FY 2008 – FY

Percent of Serial Disposals Having at Least One Interview by Months FY 2008-FY 2016 (through January) 6/2015

Interview Survey Summary Most interviews are initiated by Applicants according to both surveys 99% of Applicants indicated that request for interviews are usually granted. 6

For advancing prosecution, Applicants were very positive. Interview Survey Results 7

Oral Authorization for Video Conferencing Change to Internet Usage Policy to Permit One- Time Oral Authorization for Video Conferencing Tools 8 Policy has been updated to make it easier for Applicants to authorize the use of video conferencing tools to conduct examiner interviews. MPEP § now allows a verbal request to authorize a WebEx interview, instead of submitting a written request. The verbal authorization is limited to the video conference interview and does not extend to other communications regarding the application.

Automated Interview Request (AIR) Form New web-based tool that allows Applicants to schedule an interview with an Examiner for their pending patent application. Enables an Applicant to submit a request for an interview from our Interview Practice website ( regulations/interview-practice) by simply filling out the AIR form. The request will then be sent directly to the Examiner’s box. regulations/interview-practice 9

Automated Interview Request (AIR) Form (con’t) Applicant must certify that they have either: – Already provided internet authorization, or – Will concurrently provide internet authorization using the new SB/439 form, or – Are requesting a one-time video conferencing interview only. The proposed interview date/time must be at least one week from the date of the request. Applicant should receive a communication from the Examiner within 2 business days via either the telephone or . 10

Popular sharing features of WebEx Face-to-face communication with the examiner Share useful documents (e.g., proposed claim amendments) between the examiner and applicant in real-time Both the applicant and examiner can be the presenter Either party can annotate/highlight a shared document for emphasis during the interview

Resources & Assistance 12

Interview Specialist Subject matter expert on interview practice and policy in each Technology Center To assist Examiners and Applicants in facilitating effective interviews The list of TC Specialists can be found here: regulations/interview-practice/interview- specialist 13

Public Interview Rooms Must be reserved by Examiner at least two business days prior to interview. Written or Oral authorization to communicate electronically is required prior to reserving a public interview room (see MPEP § § and , and 80 Fed. Reg , April 2015)

Website USPTO.GOV – Policies – Training – FAQs – Contacts Comments & Questions 15

16 Questions Christal Sheppard Director of the Midwest Regional United States Patent and Trademark Office

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