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 Chief Administrative Patent Judge has authority to grant time extensions in various Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) proceedings. According to MPEP 1002.02(f), this authority includes:
- Granting extensions of pendency for up to six months in inter partes or post-grant review proceedings
- Handling petitions for time extensions for seeking rehearing in ex parte appeals
The MPEP specifically states: “Extensions of pendency for a period of up to six months in an inter partes or a post-grant review proceeding. 37 CFR 42.100(c), 42.200(c), and 42.300(c).”
Additionally, the Chief Administrative Patent Judge can handle “Petitions for an extension of time for seeking rehearing in an ex parte appeal before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.”