How often does the Director order reexamination on their own initiative?

According to MPEP 2239, reexamination ordered at the Director’s initiative is uncommon:

“A decision to order reexamination at the Director’s initiative is, however, rare. Only in compelling circumstances, after a review of all the facts concerning the patent, would such a decision be made.”

This indicates that while the Director has the authority to order reexamination without a request, it is not a frequently used procedure and is reserved for exceptional cases where compelling circumstances warrant such action.

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Topics: MPEP 2200 - Citation Of Prior Art And Ex Parte Reexamination Of Patents, MPEP 2239 - Reexamination Ordered At The Director'S Initiative, Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: Director'S Initiative, ex parte reexamination, Patent Reexamination Frequency, USPTO procedures