What replaced inter partes reexamination?
Inter partes reexamination was replaced by inter partes review (IPR) as part of the America Invents Act (AIA). While not explicitly stated in MPEP 2627, the section notes that inter partes reexamination requests were discontinued after September 16, 2012. This date coincides with the implementation of IPR, which offers a similar but more streamlined process for challenging patent validity at the USPTO.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2600 - Optional Inter Partes Reexamination,
MPEP 2627 - Incomplete Request For Inter Partes Reexamination,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure