When did inter partes reexamination requests cease to be accepted?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-29

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.

Inter partes reexamination requests ceased to be accepted on September 16, 2012. According to MPEP 2612, “No requests for inter partes reexamination may be filed on or after September 16, 2012.” This change was part of the America Invents Act (AIA) reforms to the patent system.

Topics: MPEP 2600 - Optional Inter Partes Reexamination MPEP 2612 - Persons Who May File A Request Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: AIA, America Invents Act, inter partes reexamination, patent law, patent procedure, USPTO