What types of petitions can be filed with the Director of the USPTO?

Question

Accepted Answer

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 USPTO allows for several types of petitions to be filed with the Director: Petitions under 37 CFR 1.181 : General petitions to the Director Petitions under 37 CFR 1.182 : For questions not specifically provided for in the regulations Petitions under 37 CFR 1.183 : For suspension of rules in extraordinary situations It’s important to note that “ Petitions on appealable matters ordinarily are not entertained .” (MPEP § 1201) Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Timely Filing of Petitions Required MPEP 1201 Required Patent Merit Disputes Require Judicial Review MPEP 1201 Permitted Appeal Procedure for Merit Disputes MPEP 1201 Ex Parte Appeal Practice Before September 16, 2012 MPEP 1201 Jurisdictional Distinction Between PTAB and Director MPEP 1201 Recommended Petitions and Appeals Distinction MPEP 1201 Recommended Objections Determinative of Rejection Are Appealable MPEP 1201 Permitted Petitionable Matters Not Appealable to PTAB MPEP 1201 Matters Petitionable to the Director, Not Appealable MPEP 1201 Free Legal Assistance for Financially Under-resourced PTAB Applicants MPEP 1201 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How can one appeal the merits of a 37 CFR 1.130 affidavit or declaration? What changes did the America Invents Act (AIA) bring to the patent appeal process? What is the difference between appealable and petitionable matters in patent prosecution? What is the purpose of the appeal process in patent examination? What is the time limit for filing a petition in patent prosecution?