What is the PALM system and how is it used in patent reexamination?

The Patent Application Locating and Monitoring (PALM) system is a crucial tool used to support the reexamination process in the USPTO. According to MPEP 2635, “The PALM system is used to monitor major events that take place in processing reexamination proceedings.” It provides information on:

  • Reexamination file data
  • Patent owner and requester details
  • Contents and status of the reexamination
  • Related Office proceedings

The system also tracks the movement of paper patent files and reports major examination events, ensuring that reexaminations are processed with “special dispatch”.

To learn more:

Topics: MPEP 2600 - Optional Inter Partes Reexamination, MPEP 2635 - Record Systems, Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: Event Reporting, File Tracking, Palm System, patent reexamination, USPTO