What constitutes a final decision by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board?
The MPEP provides specific criteria for what constitutes a final decision by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). According to MPEP 2301.02, a decision is considered final for the purposes of judicial review under these conditions:
“Final means, with regard to a Board action, final for the purposes of judicial review. A decision is final only if: (1) In a panel proceeding. The decision is rendered by a panel, disposes of all issues with regard to the party seeking judicial review, and does not indicate that further action is required; and (2) In other proceedings. The decision disposes of all issues or the decision states it is final.”
In essence, a final decision must resolve all relevant issues for the party seeking review and either be made by a panel or explicitly state its finality in non-panel proceedings.
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