Why were inter partes reexamination requests discontinued?
Inter partes reexamination requests were discontinued as part of the changes implemented by the America Invents Act (AIA). While MPEP Section 2619 doesn’t explicitly state the reason, it notes:
“No requests for inter partes reexamination may be filed on or after September 16, 2012.”
This change was made to streamline patent challenge procedures and replace inter partes reexamination with the more efficient inter partes review process conducted by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB).
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2600 - Optional Inter Partes Reexamination,
MPEP 2619 - Copy Of Printed Patent,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure