What options does an applicant have in responding to an Examiner's Answer to an Appeal Brief?

When an applicant receives an Examiner's Answer in response to an Appeal Brief, they have several options for proceeding. Selecting to reopen prosecution or file a new Reply Brief offers a strategic path for the applicant to further address the issues raised by the examiner. A Reply Brief allows the applicant to counter the examiner’s arguments and clarify points in the application that may not have been adequately addressed initially. By doing so, the applicant can strengthen their case without resorting to more drastic measures like filing a new application.

Furthermore, choosing to reopen prosecution provides the option to amend claims or submit additional evidence to support the patentability of the invention. This is an essential step that allows the applicant to refine their submission and potentially overcome the objections raised by the examiner.

While requesting an oral hearing is also an option, it is not the only response comprehensively usable alongside the choice of filing a Reply Brief or reopening prosecution. Therefore, C is the best representation of the available responses to the Examiner's Answer, highlighting the flexibility of the applicant in navigating the appeal process.