What is the purpose of a shortened statutory period in ex parte reexamination?

The purpose of a shortened statutory period in ex parte reexamination is to expedite the reexamination process while still providing sufficient time for patent owners to respond. MPEP 2263 states:

“A shortened statutory period of two months will generally be set for filing a response to an Office action in an ex parte reexamination.”

This shortened period helps to ensure that the reexamination proceeds efficiently, allowing for a timely resolution of patent validity questions. It strikes a balance between giving patent owners adequate time to respond and maintaining the expedited nature of the reexamination process.

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Topics: MPEP 2200 - Citation Of Prior Art And Ex Parte Reexamination Of Patents, MPEP 2263 - Time For Response, Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: ex parte reexamination, office action, patent procedure, Shortened Statutory Period