What is an appeal conference in inter partes reexamination?
An appeal conference in inter partes reexamination is a procedure conducted when an examiner believes an appeal should go forward and an examiner’s answer should be prepared. According to MPEP 2676, “If the examiner reaches the conclusion that the appeal should go forward and an examiner’s answer should be prepared, the examiner will arrange (via the CRU Supervisory Patent Reexamination Specialist (SPRS) or Technology Center (TC) Quality Assurance Specialist (QAS)) for an appeal conference to be conducted pursuant to the procedures set forth in MPEP ยง 1207.01.” The purpose of the conference is to review the case and discuss the issues raised in all the briefs before proceeding with the appeal.
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Topics:
MPEP 2600 - Optional Inter Partes Reexamination,
MPEP 2676 - Appeal Conference,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure