What is the role of the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) technical support staff in inter partes reexamination?

The Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) technical support staff plays a crucial role in the clerical handling and processing of inter partes reexamination cases. Their responsibilities include:

• Performing all PALM (Patent Application Locating and Monitoring) matters for the case
• Processing and mailing decisions and Office actions to the patent owner and third party requester(s)
• Mailing copies of references as needed
• Completing transmittal forms
• Coordinating activities with examiners, CRU Supervisory Patent Reexamination Specialists (SPRSs), Technology Center (TC) Quality Assurance Specialists (QASs), and paralegals

As stated in MPEP 2670: “Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) technical support staff will carry out clerical handling and processing of inter partes reexamination cases.“

To learn more:

• CRU
• technical support staff
• inter partes reexamination
• clerical handling
• PALM