an Office action on the second or any subsequent examination or consideration by an examiner that is intended to close the prosecution of a
nonprovisional patent application.
-- see
MPEP 706.07(b) for a final rejection and when it is proper on a first Office action
Applicant's reply under 37
CFR 1.113 to a final rejection is limited either to an
appeal in the case of rejection of any claim to the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences (37
CFR 1.191) or to an
amendment complying with the requirements set forth in the Office action (37
CFR 1.114 or 1.116). Reply to a
final rejection must comply with 37
CFR 1.114 or include cancellation of, or appeal from the rejection of, each rejected
claim. If any claim stands allowed, the reply to a final rejection must comply with any requirements or objections as to form (37
CFR 1.113(c)).
-- see
MPEP 706.07 for more
Context: Patent
