What happens if an inter partes reexamination certificate is not printed in a timely manner?

According to MPEP 2688, if the inter partes reexamination certificate is not printed in a timely manner after the expiration of the 3-month period following the issue date of the Notice of Intent to Issue Inter Partes Reexamination Certificate (NIRC), the following actions are taken:

• The Office of Patent Legal Administration (OPLA) may be contacted to inquire about the status of the publication.
• The certificate should be issued within 2 weeks of the inquiry to OPLA.
• If the certificate is not issued within 2 weeks, the case should be brought to the attention of the TC Director for appropriate action.

The MPEP states: “If the inter partes reexamination certificate is not printed in a timely manner after the expiration of the 3-month period following the issue date of the NIRC, the Office of Patent Legal Administration (OPLA) should be informed, to investigate and rectify the problem.“

To learn more:

• inter partes reexamination
• certificate printing
• NIRC
• OPLA
• TC Director