In an effort to address our growing backlog and our lengthening pendencies we identified Interview Practice as a tool that was available but was really underused by both applicants and examiners. Taking a more proactive approach to seek understanding and communication with the applicant makes that process more efficient. The interview process for both the examiner and the practitioner is very beneficial. Not only does it assist with clarity of the issues that are going on within the application but it builds a rapport between the applicant as well as the examiner. We’re all kind of trying to achieve the same thing, and being able to do that requires us to actually communicate. So by not hiding behind the paper, taking the time to actually communicate in person or over the phone, it actually helps facilitate that understanding and drive the whole process for giving and getting patents.