What role do Technology Center Directors play in interference proceedings?
Technology Center Directors are involved in several aspects of interference proceedings. According to MPEP 1003, their responsibilities include:
- Handling interferences between applications neither of which is in condition for allowance
- Reviewing letters suggesting claims for purposes of interference
- Overseeing proposed interferences between applications with significantly different effective filing dates
The MPEP specifically states: “Interferences between applications neither of which is in condition for allowance” are submitted to Technology Center Directors. Additionally, “Proposed interferences between applications whose effective filing dates differ by more than 6 months” are also handled by them. For more details on interference proceedings, refer to MPEP 2300.
To learn more: