Senior Patent Analyst

Our company deals with Computer Software technology (G06). Yes there is a difference. In established technologies (e.g. SOA) the quality is good, however in more complex technologies (e.g. CEP) the quality varies considerably depending on the individual examiner - generally only average requiring multiple office actions before the examiner understands the technology being presented. Frequently examiners fall back on combining prior-art references purely by keyword / phrase association without understanding the underlying concept of the application..

Currently many examiners / examining divisions revert to 101 rejections because of lack of understanding of a technology / application. Experience has shown us that this takes multiple office actions and even appeal to overcome / correct.

Recent improvements in examiner interviews are helping us to educate examiners and avoid unnecessary office actions prompted by lack of understanding.

Fast tracked applications generally get a better quality examination.