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Simple English definitions for legal terms
nonresponsive
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A quick definition of nonresponsive:
Nonresponsive: When someone is asked a question, and their answer doesn't directly answer the question, it's called nonresponsive. This can happen when someone is under oath and being questioned, or when someone is applying for a patent and doesn't address all the concerns of the examiner. If an answer is nonresponsive, it can cause problems for the person answering the question or applying for the patent.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Nonresponsive is an adjective that describes a reply to a question, especially from a witness under oath, that does not directly answer the question asked. It can also refer to a patent applicant's answer that does not address every rejection, objection, and requirement contained in a patent examiner's office action, which may cause the application to be abandoned.
Examples:
- The witness was asked if they saw the suspect at the scene of the crime, but their nonresponsive answer only talked about the weather that day.
- The patent examiner sent an office action with several rejections and objections, but the applicant's nonresponsive reply only addressed a few of them.
These examples illustrate how a nonresponsive answer fails to directly address the question or issue at hand, which can be frustrating for those seeking information or resolution.