# Office action

Concept · [Fundraising and equity](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/fundraising)

Also called: office actions, patent office action, rejection letter

A letter from a [patent](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/intellectual-property) or trademark examiner explaining problems with an application, often rejecting some claims. The applicant can respond with arguments or changes.

**For example:** Eight months after filing, a startup gets an office action citing [prior art](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/prior-art), and its attorney narrows the claims in reply.

## Connects to (3)

- [Prior art](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/prior-art): Anything public before a patent was filed, such as earlier patents, papers or products, that shows the idea was already known.
- [Notice of allowance](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/notice-of-allowance): A notice from the patent or trademark office that an application has been approved, pending final fees or steps.
- [Non-provisional patent](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/non-provisional-patent): The full US patent application that the patent office actually examines.

> This glossary is plain-language orientation, not legal or financial advice. Before you decide on a company structure, a contract, taxes or a fundraising deal, talk with a lawyer or an accountant.

Map view: https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/office-action