What sources of prior art are considered during patent reexamination?

During patent reexamination, examiners consider prior art from various sources. MPEP 2657 outlines these sources:

• Prior art of record in the patent file due to submissions under 37 CFR 1.501 received before the reexamination order
• Prior art of record from earlier examination proceedings
• Prior art discovered by the examiner during a prior art search
• Prior art submitted pursuant to 37 CFR 1.948

This comprehensive approach ensures that all relevant prior art is considered during the reexamination process.

To learn more:

• prior art sources
• reexamination
• patent examination