How can USPTO staff access reexamination file data on PALM?

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.

USPTO staff can access reexamination file data on PALM through the following steps:

1. Access the USPTO intranet site
2. Click on “PALM” and then “General Information”
3. On the PALM INTRANET General Information Display, enter the patent number in the box labeled Patent #
4. Click on “Search”
5. When the “Patent Number Information” appears, click on “Continuity Data” to obtain the reexamination number

As stated in MPEP 2635, “The routine PALM retrieval transactions are used to obtain data on reexamination files.” This process allows USPTO staff to quickly access important information related to reexamination proceedings.