What is a Notice of Intent to Issue Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate (NIRC)?

A Notice of Intent to Issue Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate (NIRC) is a document prepared by the examiner upon conclusion of an ex parte reexamination proceeding. The NIRC informs the patent owner and any third party requester that the reexamination prosecution has been terminated.

According to MPEP 2287, “Upon conclusion of the ex parte reexamination proceeding, the examiner must prepare a ‘Notice of Intent to Issue Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate’ (NIRC) by completing form PTOL-469.” The NIRC is a crucial step in concluding the reexamination process and preparing for the issuance of the reexamination certificate.

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Topics: MPEP 2200 - Citation Of Prior Art And Ex Parte Reexamination Of Patents, MPEP 2287 - Conclusion Of Ex Parte Reexamination Proceeding, Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: ex parte reexamination, Nirc, patent examination, USPTO procedure