What is the purpose of a panel review conference in ex parte reexamination?

A panel review conference in ex parte reexamination serves several important purposes:

  • To discuss the issuance of the final Office action
  • To ensure the quality and consistency of the final rejection
  • To provide additional perspectives on the examiner’s decision
  • To confirm or revise the examiner’s preliminary decision to reject and/or allow claims

MPEP § 2271 states:

“After an examiner has determined that the reexamination proceeding is ready for the final Office action, the examiner will set up a panel review conference, as per MPEP § 2271.01, to discuss the issuance of the action.”

This conference helps ensure that the final action is thorough, well-supported, and ready for issuance.

To learn more:

Topics: MPEP 2200 - Citation Of Prior Art And Ex Parte Reexamination Of Patents, MPEP 2271 - Final Action, Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: ex parte reexamination, Panel Review Conference, patent examination, USPTO procedures