The PTOL-413A, known as the Applicant Initiated Interview Request Form, is a structured questionnaire used during patent prosecution to facilitate direct communication between applicants and USPTO examiners. Approved for use by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, this interview form template requires applicants to supply the serial number, examiner name, and art unit, along with the names of proposed interview participants and preferred dates. The form supports three interview formats: telephonic, personal, and video conference, allowing candidates to choose the most practical option.
Applicants use this form to specify exhibits, outline questions and arguments, and pinpoint issues to discuss so the interview remains focused and productive. After the interview, a written summary must be filed in accordance with 37 CFR 1.133, ensuring the record is formally documented. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.11 and 1.14. If your patent filing involves a similar process, you may also find the Utility Patent Application Transmittal form and the Employee Exit Interview Form useful. Browse all related documents in our employment forms library.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Form Name | Interview Request Form (PTOL-413A) |
| Form Number | PTOL-413A |
| Issuing Authority | USPTO (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office) |
| Form Purpose | Request a patent examiner interview |
| Form Length | 2 pages |
| Fillable? | No |
| Fillable fields | 0 |
| Avg. time to fill out | 30 sec |
| Other names | Obj, PTOL-413A, OMB, CFR |