What happens if a Pre-Appeal Brief Request is not proper?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27

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.

If a Pre-Appeal Brief Request is not proper, the Office will notify the applicant. According to the MPEP, If a request is not proper, the Office will notify the applicant of the deficiency by issuing a notice. (MPEP 1204.02)

Specifically:

  • The applicant will be given a non-extendable period of one month or thirty days from the mailing of the notice, whichever is longer, to correct the deficiency.
  • If the deficiency is not corrected within the time period given, the appeal will proceed without a pre-appeal brief conference.

It’s important to ensure that your Pre-Appeal Brief Request meets all the requirements to avoid delays in the process.

Tags: patent appeal, pre-appeal brief request, USPTO procedure