What are the four ways ex parte reexamination proceedings can be concluded?

According to MPEP 2294, ex parte reexamination proceedings can be concluded in four ways:

• Denial of reexamination, vacating the reexamination proceeding, or terminating the reexamination proceeding
• Issuance of a Reexamination Certificate under 37 CFR 1.570(b)
• Merging with a reissue proceeding and granting a reissue patent under 37 CFR 1.570(e)
• Merging with an inter partes reexamination proceeding and issuing a single reexamination certificate under 37 CFR 1.997(b)

The MPEP states: “Ex parte reexamination proceedings may be concluded in one of four ways: (A) The prosecution of the proceeding may be brought to an end, and the proceeding itself concluded, by a denial of reexamination, or vacating the reexamination proceeding, or terminating the reexamination proceeding. (In these instances, no Reexamination Certificate is issued).”

To learn more:

• ex parte reexamination
• reexamination conclusion
• patent reexamination
• USPTO procedures