Legal Definitions - responsive action

Responsive action is a term used in patents. It refers to an applicant's response to an examiner's rejections in an office action. The response must address all of the examiner's issues in detail, rather than just submitting substitute claims.

For example, if an examiner rejects a patent application because it lacks novelty, the applicant's responsive action should explain how the invention is different from existing inventions and why it is novel. The applicant should provide evidence and arguments to support their claims.

Another example is if an examiner rejects a patent application because it is obvious, the applicant's responsive action should explain why the invention is not obvious and provide evidence to support their argument.

Overall, a responsive action is a crucial step in the patent application process. It allows the applicant to address any issues raised by the examiner and increase their chances of obtaining a patent.