Where can I find guidance on processing a reexamination of a reexamination?

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.

Guidance for processing a reexamination of a reexamination can be found in the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP). Specifically, MPEP § 2695 states:

“See MPEP § 2295 for guidance for the processing and examination of a reexamination request filed on a patent for which a reexamination certificate has already issued, or a reexamination certificate issues on a prior reexamination, while the new reexamination is pending.”

This means that MPEP § 2295 provides the detailed guidelines for handling these complex reexamination situations. Patent examiners, attorneys, and other professionals involved in the reexamination process should refer to this section for comprehensive guidance.