What is the purpose of a shortened statutory period in ex parte reexamination?
This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.
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.