Can third-party requesters participate in ex parte reexamination interviews?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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. No, third-party requesters are not permitted to participate in ex parte reexamination interviews. MPEP 2281 clearly states: “ Requests that reexamination requesters participate in interviews with examiners will not be granted. “ This restriction is in place to maintain the ex parte nature of the reexamination proceedings. Only the patent owner and/or their representative can participate in interviews with the examiner. Third-party requesters may only receive information on strictly procedural matters, and even then, they should be referred to the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) Supervisory Patent Reexamination Specialist (SPRS) or Technology Center (TC) Quality Assurance Specialist (QAS) for such information. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Examination Interviews Not Permitted for Requesters MPEP 2281 Interviews Permitted in Ex Parte Reexamination Proceedings MPEP 2281 Permitted Ex Parte Interviews Permitted for Patent Owner MPEP 2281 Permitted Third Party Requesters Cannot Attend Interviews MPEP 2281 Permitted Procedural Questions Permitted During Ex Parte Reexamination Interviews MPEP 2281 Permitted In Person Interviews Required for Ex Parte Reexamination MPEP 2281 Required Patent Owner Must Contact Examiner Before Interview MPEP 2281 Recommended Copy of Interview Summary Must Be Given to Patent Owner MPEP 2281 Recommended Citations by Patent Owner and Third Party Requester in Inter Partes Reexamination MPEP 2202 Request Should Be Complete for Ex Parte Reexamination MPEP 2214 Recommended Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How should patent owners document interviews in ex parte reexamination proceedings? What are the rules for conducting inter...