How are reexamination request papers initially processed by the USPTO?

The initial processing of reexamination request papers at the USPTO involves several steps:

1. Receipt and Scanning: The papers are received in the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP) and scanned into the Image File Wrapper (IFW) system.
2. Assignment to CRU or TC: The request is then forwarded to either the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) or the appropriate Technology Center (TC).
3. Compliance Check: CRU or TC technical support staff review the papers for compliance with 37 CFR 1.510.
4. Data Entry: If compliant, the request’s bibliographic data is entered into PALM EXPO 2970.
5. Notice Generation: A notice of the filing date is generated and mailed.

As stated in MPEP 2226: “The request papers are received in the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP) and processed for the Image File Wrapper (IFW) database. Once the request papers are scanned into the IFW system, the request papers are forwarded to the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) or the appropriate Technology Center (TC).”

To learn more:

• reexamination request
• initial processing
• USPTO procedure
• IFW system