31. How to Master Examiner Interviews | Practical Strategies for Better Patent Outcomes
From Patent Pending Made Simple by Outlier Patent Attorneys
April 18, 2026 · 18 min
About this episode
This episode discusses strategies for effectively conducting examiner interviews to improve patent outcomes.
Examiner interviews can make or break a patent case. In this episode of Patent Pending Made Simple, attorneys Samar Shah and Jamie Brophy sit down to unpack one of the most valuable — yet often misunderstood — parts of patent prosecution: the examiner interview. Drawing from both sides of the process — Samar as a patent attorney and Jamie as a former USPTO examiner — they share how thoughtful preparation, the right mindset, and a human approach can turn tense conversations into productive collaboration. Whether you’re an inventor handling your own application or an attorney refining your practice, this episode offers a clear framework for using examiner interviews to achieve better outcomes and faster allowances. Here’s what you’ll learn: The real role of examiner interviews in shaping prosecution outcomes. How to prepare strategically without overcommitting on the record. Building rapport that encourages cooperation — not confrontation. Staying outcome-driven even when disagreements arise. When to listen, when to push, and how to read examiner conviction. Case examples where interviews turned rejections into allowances. Why it matters: Every examiner interview is an opportunity…
People in this episode
Host: Samar Shah
Guest: Jamie Brophy
Topics covered
- examiner interviews
- patent prosecution
- preparation strategies
- collaboration
- patent outcomes
- inventor guidance
Keywords
- examiner interviews
- patent prosecution
- preparation
- collaboration
- patent outcomes
- inventor
- attorney
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: USPTO
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