How does the reissue review process differ between Technology Centers and the Central Reexamination Unit?

The reissue review process differs slightly between Technology Centers (TCs) and the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU):

• In Technology Centers: Training Quality Assurance Specialists (TQASs) monitor and review reissue applications.
• In the Central Reexamination Unit: Supervisory Patent Reexamination Specialists (SPRS) handle the monitoring and review.

MPEP 1456 states: “All reissue applications assigned to the Technology Centers (TCs) are monitored and reviewed by the appropriate Training Quality Assurance Specialist (TQAS) (which includes TC TQASs, paralegals or other technical support who might be assigned as backup) at several stages during the prosecution.” It further notes: “Similarly, all reissue applications assigned to the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) are monitored and reviewed by the Supervisory Patent Reexamination Specialists (SPRS).“

While the overall goals of the review process are similar, the specific personnel and potentially some procedural details may vary between the two units.

To learn more:

• reissue review
• Technology Centers
• Central Reexamination Unit
• TQAS
• SPRS