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