What is the role of a conference in the inter partes reexamination process?
After receiving responses and comments, the examiner participates in a conference as part of the inter partes reexamination process. The MPEP states:
“After the examiner receives notification of a response/comment (e.g., having the patent owner’s response to the Office action and any third party requester comments on that response), he/she will prepare for and participate in a conference in accordance with MPEP § 2671.03.”
This conference is an important step in ensuring the quality and consistency of the examination process before issuing the next Office action.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2600 - Optional Inter Partes Reexamination,
MPEP 2671 - Examiner Action Following Response/Comments Or Expiration Of Time For Same,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure