Can the Solicitor provide legal advice on petitions?

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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. Yes, the Solicitor’s Office can provide legal advice on petitions. The MPEP 1002.02(k)(3) explicitly states: “The Office of the Solicitor is available to render legal advice to any deciding official in connection with any petition.” This means that the Solicitor’s Office can offer legal guidance to USPTO officials who are responsible for making decisions on various types of petitions, ensuring that these decisions are legally sound and consistent with patent law and procedures. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Director May Waive Regulations on Petition MPEP 1002 Permitted Delay Filing of Petitions Under 1.182/1.183 After Supervisory Review MPEP 1002 Permitted Director Can Delegate Petition Decisions to Officials MPEP 1002 Permitted Request for Confidentiality Waiver Under 35 U.S.C. 122 MPEP 1002.02(k)(1) Petitions to Extend Time for Filing Appeal Notice MPEP 1002.02(k)(1) Petitions Must Be Filed For Enrollment Recognition MPEP 1002.02(k)(1) Petitions for Disciplinary Decisions from Director MPEP 1002.02(k)(1) Appeals and Reconsiderations for Practitioner Discipline MPEP 1002.02(k)(1) Petitions to the Director for Ex Parte Reexamination Appeals and Other Matters MPEP 1002 Permitted Petition to Invoke Director's Supervisory Authority MPEP 1002 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is the process for appealing a decision of the Director of the Office of Enrollment and Discipline? How can a practitioner appeal a decision of the USPTO Office of Enrollment and Discipline? What are ex parte questions in patent cases before the Federal Circuit? What is the process for seeking an extension of time to file a notice of appeal to the Federal Circuit? How ca...