How are reexamination requests initially assigned?
This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.
Reexamination requests are typically assigned to a Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) art unit that examines the technology in which the patent to be reexamined is currently classified. As stated in the MPEP:
A reexamination request is normally assigned to a Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) art unit which examines the technology (Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, etc.) in which the patent to be reexamined is currently classified as an original.
This initial assignment ensures that the reexamination is handled by examiners familiar with the relevant technology.