Can the time for requesting an oral hearing be extended?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30

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.

No, the time for requesting an oral hearing cannot be extended. MPEP 2680 clearly states: “The time for requesting an oral hearing may not be extended.” This means that the two-month deadline after the date of the examiner’s answer is strict and cannot be prolonged.

Topics: MPEP 2600 - Optional Inter Partes Reexamination MPEP 2680 - Oral Hearing Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: Extension, inter partes reexamination, oral hearing