Are fee reductions available for patent reexamination?
Yes, fee reductions are available for patent reexamination, but with certain limitations. According to MPEP 2233:
“Small entity and micro entity reductions are available to the patent owner for excess claim fees, appeal, appeal forwarding, and oral hearing fees. For the request and petition fees, small entity reductions are available to both third party requesters and patent owners; however, micro entity reductions are available only to patent owners.“
It’s important to note that micro entity reductions are exclusively available to patent owners, not to third-party requesters.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2200 - Citation Of Prior Art And Ex Parte Reexamination Of Patents,
MPEP 2233 - Processing In Central Reexamination Unit And Technology Center,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure