What information must patent owners provide regarding prior or concurrent proceedings?
According to MPEP 2686, patent owners are required to provide the Office with information about any prior or concurrent proceedings involving the patent undergoing inter partes reexamination, as well as the results of such proceedings, if known. The MPEP states:
“In accordance with 37 CFR 1.985, the patent owner is required to provide the Office with information regarding the existence of any such proceedings, and the results thereof, if known.”
This requirement includes supplemental examination proceedings and reviews before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, in addition to other examples provided in 37 CFR 1.985(a).
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2600 - Optional Inter Partes Reexamination,
MPEP 2686 - Notification Of Existence Of Prior Or Concurrent Proceedings And Decisions Thereon,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure