What authority does the Chief Administrative Patent Judge have over PTAB hearings?

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 Chief Administrative Patent Judge has the authority to designate panels to conduct hearings in the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). According to MPEP 1002.02(f), the Chief Administrative Patent Judge is responsible for “Designation of panels to conduct hearings in the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.” This authority ensures that appropriate panels are formed to handle various types of patent-related hearings and appeals.