Definition
A patent examiner is a USPTO employee with technical expertise who reviews applications, searches prior art, and determines whether claims meet the requirements for a patent.
Why It Matters Legally
The examiner controls whether and how broadly a patent issues. Understanding an examiner’s tendencies and engaging effectively, including through interviews, can speed allowance and improve claim scope.
Example Use Case
An applicant’s attorney requests an examiner interview to discuss the prior art directly, leading to an agreement on claim language that results in allowance.
Have a question about this?
Talk to a patent attorney about your situation. Start your free consult
Related Terms
Office Action, Patent Prosecution, Prior Art, Notice of Allowance