What are the time limits for responding to Office actions in ex parte reexamination?

The time limits for responding to Office actions in ex parte reexamination are strictly defined in the MPEP and patent regulations. According to MPEP 2260:

“The time for response to any Office action in an ex parte reexamination proceeding will normally be two months… The response period may be extended only upon a showing of sufficient cause, and for a reasonable time specified.”

Key points about response time limits:

• The standard response period is two months for most Office actions.
• Extensions may be granted, but only for sufficient cause and a reasonable time.
• For an Action Closing Prosecution (ACP), the response period is also two months, but extensions are not available.
• After a final rejection, the time limit for response is typically two months, with limited extension possibilities.

Patent owners should be aware of these strict time limits and respond promptly to avoid potential termination of the reexamination proceeding.

To learn more:

• response time
• Office actions
• ex parte reexamination
• patent examination
• time limits