Which entity is responsible for issuing Office Actions?

The entity responsible for issuing Office Actions is USPTO examiners. These examiners are trained professionals at the United States Patent and Trademark Office who evaluate patent applications for compliance with relevant laws and regulations. When a patent application is submitted, an examiner reviews it and determines whether it meets the necessary criteria for patentability. If there are issues that need to be addressed, the examiner issues an Office Action, which is a written communication that outlines the objections, rejections, or requests for additional information related to the application.

This process is crucial because it allows the applicant to understand any concerns the USPTO may have regarding their application and provides them with an opportunity to address these issues before a final decision is made on the patentability of their invention. The applicant's own responses and actions are not the source of Office Actions; rather, they are specifically generated by the USPTO's examiners during the examination process.