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2304.01(a) Interference Search [R-4] - 2300 Interference Proceedings
>2304.01(a) Interference Search [R-4]
When an application is in condition for allowance, an interference search must be made by performing a text search of the "US-PGPUB" database in EAST or WEST directed to the comprehensive inventive features in the broadest claim. If the application contains a claim directed to a nucleotide or peptide sequence, the examiner must submit a request to STIC to perform an interference search of the sequence. If the search results identify any potential interfering subject matter, the examiner will review the application(s) with the potential interfering subject to determine whether interfering subject matter exists. If interfering subject matter does exist, the examiner will follow the guidance set forth in this chapter. If there is no interfering subject matter then the examiner should prepare the application for issuance. A printout of only the database(s) searched, the query(ies) used in the interference search, and the date the interference search was performed must be made of record in the application file. The results of the interference search must not be placed in the application file.
The search for interfering applications must not be limited to the class or subclass in which the application is classified, but must be extended to all classes, in and out of the Technology Center (TC), in which it has been necessary to search in the examination of the application. See MPEP § 1302.08.<
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