What document should clearly identify the party who will benefit most from the patent?

The correct document that should clearly identify the party who will benefit most from the patent is the appeal brief. The appeal brief is a critical document filed during the appeal process in response to a rejection made by the patent examiner. This document typically addresses the arguments made by the examiner, highlighting the applicant's position and illustrating how the claimed invention meets the requirements for patentability.

In the appeal brief, it is important for the applicant to clearly articulate who stands to gain from the patent rights. This identification helps establish the context and importance of the invention, reinforcing why the claims should be considered valid and patentable. It allows the Board of Appeals or the reviewing authority to understand the interests involved and can also assist in clarifying the practical implications of granting the patent.

Other documents, such as the office action, final decision letter, and request for continued examination, serve different purposes in the patent prosecution process. Office actions are primarily to communicate the examiner's rejections and opinions on the application, while final decision letters convey the outcome of the examination process. The request for continued examination is a procedural document that allows the applicant to continue the examination process without having to file a new application, and does not focus on identifying beneficiaries in the same manner as the appeal brief.