Can a supplemental examination request be made anonymously?

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.

No, a supplemental examination request cannot be made anonymously. The MPEP 2816 clearly states:

“A request for supplemental examination may be filed by the patent owner. A supplemental examination request may not be filed by a third party.”

This means that only the patent owner can file a request for supplemental examination, and they must identify themselves as such. Anonymous requests are not permitted under the supplemental examination procedure.