What types of petitions are decided by Technology Center Directors?
According to MPEP 1002.02(c), Technology Center Directors are authorized to decide several types of petitions, including:
- Petitions to reopen prosecution after a decision by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board
- Petitions from a final decision of examiner requiring restriction
- Petitions invoking supervisory authority regarding actions by examiners
- Petitions regarding premature final rejection
- Petitions relating to interviews with examiners
The MPEP states: “Petitions invoking the supervisory authority of the Director of the USPTO under 37 CFR 1.181 involving any ex parte action or requirement in a patent application by the examiner which is not subject to appeal (37 CFR 1.191) and not otherwise provided for” are decided by Technology Center Directors.
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