Who has the authority to decide petitions in patent applications?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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. The authority to decide petitions in patent applications is delegated to various officials within the USPTO. According to MPEP 1002.02 , “The Director of the USPTO may delegate any of their functions to subordinate officials. The various delegations to various Office officials are set forth in this section.” The specific officials and their delegated authorities are detailed in subsections of MPEP 1002.02. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Delegation of Authority to Decide Petitions Not Otherwise Delegated MPEP 1002.02 Delegation of Authority to Decide Petitions MPEP 1002.02 Authority Delegated to USPTO Director MPEP 1002.02 Permitted Petitions to the Director for Ex Parte Reexamination Appeals and Other Matters MPEP 1002 Permitted Fee Requirement for Petitions to the Director Must Be Indicated MPEP 1002 Required Petitions and Matters Delegated to TC Directors MPEP 1002.02 Petition Must Include Fee MPEP 1002 Required Director Can Delegate Petition Decisions to Officials MPEP 1002 Permitted Petitions on Appealable Matters Not Entertained MPEP 1002 Petition Must Include Fee MPEP 1002 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Who has the authority to decide petitions to the Director of the USPTO? What is the process for obtaining a foreign filing license for a patent application? How are questions of formal sufficiency and propriety of affidavits reviewed? How can an applicant challenge a premature final rejection? How can I add or delete an inventor&#8217;s name in a provisional patent application?