MPEP § 2210 — Request for Ex Parte Reexamination under 35 U.S.C. 302 (Annotated Rules)

§2210 Request for Ex Parte Reexamination under 35 U.S.C. 302

USPTO MPEP version: BlueIron's Update: 2025-12-31

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 2210, including statutory authority, regulatory rules, examiner guidance, and practice notes. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only, it is not legal advice.

Request for Ex Parte Reexamination under 35 U.S.C. 302

This section addresses Request for Ex Parte Reexamination under 35 U.S.C. 302. Primary authority: 35 U.S.C. 301, 35 U.S.C. 41, and 35 U.S.C. 302. Contains: 2 requirements, 1 permission, and 3 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic

Request Content Requirements

6 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2210-1e0d300374288171d00083b9]
Any Person May Request Patent Reexamination Based on Prior Art
Note:
A person can file a request to reexamine any patent claim based on cited prior art at any time, provided the request is in writing and includes payment of a fee.

Any person at any time may file a request for reexamination by the Office of any claim of a patent on the basis of any prior art cited under the provisions of section 301. The request must be in writing and must be accompanied by payment of a reexamination fee established by the Director pursuant to the provisions of section 41. The request must set forth the pertinency and manner of applying cited prior art to every claim for which reexamination is requested. Unless the requesting person is the owner of the patent, the Director promptly will send a copy of the request to the owner of record of the patent.

Jump to MPEP SourceRequest Content RequirementsEx Parte Reexamination RequestEx Parte Reexamination
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2210-a4c6029300acdba350ae1cd4]
Request Must Cite Pertinent Prior Art for Each Claim
Note:
The request must specify how each cited prior art applies to every claim in the patent during reexamination.

Any person at any time may file a request for reexamination by the Office of any claim of a patent on the basis of any prior art cited under the provisions of section 301. The request must be in writing and must be accompanied by payment of a reexamination fee established by the Director pursuant to the provisions of section 41. The request must set forth the pertinency and manner of applying cited prior art to every claim for which reexamination is requested. Unless the requesting person is the owner of the patent, the Director promptly will send a copy of the request to the owner of record of the patent.

Jump to MPEP SourceRequest Content RequirementsEx Parte Reexamination RequestEx Parte Reexamination
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-2210-34346da7c9b10d4a2efd6198]
Request for Ex Parte Reexamination Allowed During Patent Enforceability
Note:
Any person may file a request for ex parte reexamination of any patent claim based on prior art, unless prohibited by specific statutory provisions.

(a) Any person may, at any time during the period of enforceability of a patent, file a request for an ex parte reexamination by the Office of any claim of the patent on the basis of prior art patents or printed publications cited under § 1.501, unless prohibited by 35 U.S.C. 315(e)(1) or 35 U.S.C. 325(e)(1). The request must be accompanied by the fee for requesting reexamination set in § 1.20(c)(1).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.501Request Content RequirementsEx Parte ReexaminationEx Parte Reexamination Request
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2210-4ca4046360d46d71bddc20d5]
Request for Reexamination Must Explain Claim Pertinence to Prior Art
Note:
A detailed explanation of how cited prior art applies to each requested claim must be provided, along with any relevant patent owner statements and their impact on claim interpretation.

(b) Any request for reexamination must include the following parts:

(2) An identification of every claim for which reexamination is requested, and a detailed explanation of the pertinency and manner of applying the cited prior art to every claim for which reexamination is requested.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510Request Content RequirementsEx Parte Reexamination RequestEx Parte Reexamination
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2210-6a381473aaf7fcc2713d0839]
Claims Must Distinguish Over Cited Prior Art During Reexamination
Note:
During a reexamination request, the party must explain how their claims differ from cited prior art.

(b) Any request for reexamination must include the following parts:

If appropriate, the party requesting reexamination may also point out how claims distinguish over cited prior art.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510Request Content RequirementsEx Parte Reexamination RequestEx Parte Reexamination
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-2210-42dd73ab1c8fb13c5253e24e]
Request for Ex Parte Reexamination Allowed Anytime During Patent Enforceability
Note:
Any person may file a request for ex parte reexamination of any patent claim based on prior art at any time during the patent's enforceability, unless prohibited by estoppel provisions.

Any person, at any time during the period of enforceability of a patent, may file a request for ex parte reexamination by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office of any claim of the patent based on prior art patents or printed publications, unless prohibited by the estoppel provisions of AIA 35 U.S.C. 315(e)(1) or 35 U.S.C. 325(e)(1). The estoppel provisions of AIA 35 U.S.C. 315(e)(1) or 35 U.S.C. 325(e)(1) are based on inter partes review and post-grant review, respectively, and they only prohibit the filing of a subsequent request for ex parte reexamination, once estoppel attaches; there is no estoppel as to the Office maintaining an existing ex parte reexamination proceeding. The request must include the elements set forth in 37 CFR 1.510(b) (see MPEP § 2214) and must be accompanied by the appropriate fee under 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1) or (c)(2). A request filed with the fee under 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1) must comply with all the requirements of 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1) (e.g., the request has forty (40) pages or less). See MPEP § 2214, subsection II. If a request filed by the patent owner includes a proposed amendment in accordance with 37 CFR 1.530, excess claims fees under 37 CFR 1.20(c)(3) and (c)(4) may also apply; see MPEP § 2250.03. No attempt will be made to maintain a requester’s name in confidence.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510(b)Request Content RequirementsAIA vs Pre-AIA PracticeEx Parte Reexamination
Topic

Reexamination Filing Fee

6 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2210-c9971a732f764087dcec892f]
Request for Reexamination Must Be Accompanied by Fee
Note:
A request for reexamination must be in writing and include a fee set by the Director.

Any person at any time may file a request for reexamination by the Office of any claim of a patent on the basis of any prior art cited under the provisions of section 301. The request must be in writing and must be accompanied by payment of a reexamination fee established by the Director pursuant to the provisions of section 41. The request must set forth the pertinency and manner of applying cited prior art to every claim for which reexamination is requested. Unless the requesting person is the owner of the patent, the Director promptly will send a copy of the request to the owner of record of the patent.

Jump to MPEP SourceReexamination Filing FeePost-Issuance & Maintenance FeesMaintenance Fee Amounts
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2210-afc040e75b1c481ec09ac8df]
Fee Required for Ex Parte Reexamination Request
Note:
The request for ex parte reexamination must be accompanied by the fee set in § 1.20(c)(1).

(a) Any person may, at any time during the period of enforceability of a patent, file a request for an ex parte reexamination by the Office of any claim of the patent on the basis of prior art patents or printed publications cited under § 1.501, unless prohibited by 35 U.S.C. 315(e)(1) or 35 U.S.C. 325(e)(1). The request must be accompanied by the fee for requesting reexamination set in § 1.20(c)(1).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.501Reexamination Filing FeePost-Issuance & Maintenance FeesFee Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2210-c46d0330b7965f989565c714]
Request for Ex Parte Reexamination Requires Fee and Compliance
Note:
The request for ex parte reexamination must include the required fee and meet all specified requirements; otherwise, the requester will be notified and given a chance to complete the request within a specified time.

(c) If the request does not include the fee for requesting ex parte reexamination required by paragraph (a) of this section and meet all the requirements by paragraph (b) of this section, then the person identified as requesting reexamination will be so notified and will generally be given an opportunity to complete the request within a specified time. Failure to comply with the notice will result in the ex parte reexamination request not being granted a filing date, and will result in placement of the request in the patent file as a citation if it complies with the requirements of § 1.501.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.501Reexamination Filing FeeEx Parte ReexaminationEx Parte Reexamination Request
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2210-af6e5f286c275b2536f5e9b4]
Filing Fee Required for Ex Parte Reexamination Request
Note:
The request for ex parte reexamination must include the required elements and fee as specified.

Any person, at any time during the period of enforceability of a patent, may file a request for ex parte reexamination by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office of any claim of the patent based on prior art patents or printed publications, unless prohibited by the estoppel provisions of AIA 35 U.S.C. 315(e)(1) or 35 U.S.C. 325(e)(1). The estoppel provisions of AIA 35 U.S.C. 315(e)(1) or 35 U.S.C. 325(e)(1) are based on inter partes review and post-grant review, respectively, and they only prohibit the filing of a subsequent request for ex parte reexamination, once estoppel attaches; there is no estoppel as to the Office maintaining an existing ex parte reexamination proceeding. The request must include the elements set forth in 37 CFR 1.510(b) (see MPEP § 2214) and must be accompanied by the appropriate fee under 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1) or (c)(2). A request filed with the fee under 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1) must comply with all the requirements of 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1) (e.g., the request has forty (40) pages or less). See MPEP § 2214, subsection II. If a request filed by the patent owner includes a proposed amendment in accordance with 37 CFR 1.530, excess claims fees under 37 CFR 1.20(c)(3) and (c)(4) may also apply; see MPEP § 2250.03. No attempt will be made to maintain a requester’s name in confidence.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510(b)Reexamination Filing FeeEx Parte Reexamination RequestPost-Issuance & Maintenance Fees
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2210-36a6d6dc4426ab64301eafee]
Request for Ex Parte Reexamination Filing Fee Requirement
Note:
The request for ex parte reexamination must be accompanied by the appropriate fee and comply with all requirements of 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1).

Any person, at any time during the period of enforceability of a patent, may file a request for ex parte reexamination by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office of any claim of the patent based on prior art patents or printed publications, unless prohibited by the estoppel provisions of AIA 35 U.S.C. 315(e)(1) or 35 U.S.C. 325(e)(1). The estoppel provisions of AIA 35 U.S.C. 315(e)(1) or 35 U.S.C. 325(e)(1) are based on inter partes review and post-grant review, respectively, and they only prohibit the filing of a subsequent request for ex parte reexamination, once estoppel attaches; there is no estoppel as to the Office maintaining an existing ex parte reexamination proceeding. The request must include the elements set forth in 37 CFR 1.510(b) (see MPEP § 2214) and must be accompanied by the appropriate fee under 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1) or (c)(2). A request filed with the fee under 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1) must comply with all the requirements of 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1) (e.g., the request has forty (40) pages or less). See MPEP § 2214, subsection II. If a request filed by the patent owner includes a proposed amendment in accordance with 37 CFR 1.530, excess claims fees under 37 CFR 1.20(c)(3) and (c)(4) may also apply; see MPEP § 2250.03. No attempt will be made to maintain a requester’s name in confidence.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510(b)Reexamination Filing FeePost-Issuance & Maintenance FeesFee Requirements
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2210-a3b3945e730e81d8a7499467]
Filing Fee Required for Reexamination Request
Note:
The appropriate fee under 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1) or (c)(2) must be paid after a reexamination request is submitted, and no withdrawal or abandonment of the request is possible thereafter.

After the request for reexamination, including the appropriate fee under 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1) or (c)(2), is received in the Office, no abandonment, withdrawal, or striking of the request is possible, regardless of who requests the same. In some limited circumstances, such as after a final court decision where all of the claims are finally held invalid, a reexamination order may be vacated if the decision was rendered prior to the order, and the reexamination may be terminated if the decision was rendered subsequent to the order, see MPEP § 2286.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1)Reexamination Filing FeeEx Parte Reexamination RequestPost-Issuance & Maintenance Fees
Topic

Ex Parte Reexamination Request

3 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2210-245e0b02275033f4d02f0911]
Request for Reexamination Copy Sent to Patent Owner
Note:
Unless the requesting person is the owner of the patent, the Director will promptly send a copy of the request to the patent's record owner.

Any person at any time may file a request for reexamination by the Office of any claim of a patent on the basis of any prior art cited under the provisions of section 301. The request must be in writing and must be accompanied by payment of a reexamination fee established by the Director pursuant to the provisions of section 41. The request must set forth the pertinency and manner of applying cited prior art to every claim for which reexamination is requested. Unless the requesting person is the owner of the patent, the Director promptly will send a copy of the request to the owner of record of the patent.

Jump to MPEP SourceEx Parte Reexamination RequestEx Parte ReexaminationRequest Content Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2210-c977aa12628abe692a8c3a20]
Requirements for Filing a Reexamination Request
Note:
The request must include detailed explanations of prior art, claims, and translations of foreign documents.
(b) Any request for reexamination must include the following parts:
  • (1) A statement pointing out each substantial new question of patentability based on prior patents and printed publications.
  • (2) An identification of every claim for which reexamination is requested, and a detailed explanation of the pertinency and manner of applying the cited prior art to every claim for which reexamination is requested. For each statement of the patent owner and accompanying information submitted pursuant to § 1.501(a)(2) which is relied upon in the detailed explanation, the request must explain how that statement is being used to determine the proper meaning of a patent claim in connection with the prior art applied to that claim and how each relevant claim is being interpreted. If appropriate, the party requesting reexamination may also point out how claims distinguish over cited prior art.
  • (3) A copy of every patent or printed publication relied upon or referred to in paragraph (b)(1) and (2) of this section accompanied by an English language translation of all the necessary and pertinent parts of any non-English language patent or printed publication.
  • (4) A copy of the entire patent including the front face, drawings, and specification/claims (in double column format) for which reexamination is requested, and a copy of any disclaimer, certificate of correction, or reexamination certificate issued in the patent. All copies must have each page plainly written on only one side of a sheet of paper.
  • (5) A certification that a copy of the request filed by a person other than the patent owner has been served in its entirety on the patent owner at the address as provided for in § 1.33(c). The name and address of the party served must be indicated. If service was not possible, a duplicate copy must be supplied to the Office.
  • (6) A certification by the third party requester that the statutory estoppel provisions of 35 U.S.C. 315(e)(1) or 35 U.S.C. 325(e)(1) do not prohibit the requester from filing the ex parte reexamination request.
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510Ex Parte Reexamination RequestInter Partes Reexamination RequestEx Parte Reexamination
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2210-45c512d2f2d0f43ceba7b357]
Failure to Comply with Notice Results in No Filing Date
Note:
If the ex parte reexamination request does not comply with all requirements and fees, failure to respond to a notice will result in no filing date and the request being placed as a citation if it meets §1.501 criteria.

(c) If the request does not include the fee for requesting ex parte reexamination required by paragraph (a) of this section and meet all the requirements by paragraph (b) of this section, then the person identified as requesting reexamination will be so notified and will generally be given an opportunity to complete the request within a specified time. Failure to comply with the notice will result in the ex parte reexamination request not being granted a filing date, and will result in placement of the request in the patent file as a citation if it complies with the requirements of § 1.501.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.501Ex Parte Reexamination RequestEx Parte ReexaminationReexamination Filing Fee
Topic

Certificate of Service

3 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2210-7644002ea07434dbff193847]
Certification of Service Requirement for Reexamination Request
Note:
A certification must be included in a reexamination request that confirms the entire copy was served on the patent owner at the specified address.

(b) Any request for reexamination must include the following parts:

(5) A certification that a copy of the request filed by a person other than the patent owner has been served in its entirety on the patent owner at the address as provided for in § 1.33(c).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510Certificate of ServiceRequest by Patent OwnerThird Party Requester
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2210-a8ed17bf7c80a02a3def19c9]
Certification of Service Required for Reexamination Request
Note:
A certification that a copy of the request has been served on the patent owner must be included, along with the name and address of the party served.

(b) Any request for reexamination must include the following parts:

The name and address of the party served must be indicated.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510Certificate of ServiceEx Parte Reexamination RequestEx Parte Reexamination
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2210-e7654410ca6af8f678a46522]
Duplicate Copy Required If Service Not Possible
Note:
If service of a request for reexamination on the patent owner is not possible, a duplicate copy must be supplied to the Office.

(b) Any request for reexamination must include the following parts:

If service was not possible, a duplicate copy must be supplied to the Office.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510Certificate of ServiceEx Parte Reexamination RequestEx Parte Reexamination
Topic

Practitioner Discipline

3 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2210-e37dac07304e25c2ed6fbd9c]
Methods of Submitting Request for Ex Parte Reexamination
Note:
Describes how a request for ex parte reexamination can be submitted via mail, hand-delivery, or the USPTO patent electronic filing system.

A request for reexamination under 37 CFR 1.510 may be submitted to the Office via mail, hand-delivery, or via the USPTO patent electronic filing system. See MPEP § 2224 for more information on submission via mail and hand-delivery. For electronic submissions, both registered and unregistered users of the USPTO patent electronic filing system may submit a request for reexamination electronically. A request for reexamination submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system must be submitted as a new request in the electronic interface and not submitted as a follow-on paper into the patent. The Office may refer third-party inquiries, requests, or submissions that are improperly submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system by registered practitioners in applications and any other Office proceedings to the Office of Enrollment and Discipline for appropriate action.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510Practitioner DisciplinePractitioner Recognition and ConductEx Parte Reexamination Request
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2210-43dd4c6d429d46c9aa022ebb]
Electronic Request Required
Note:
A request for reexamination must be submitted electronically through the USPTO patent electronic filing system and not as a follow-on paper.

A request for reexamination under 37 CFR 1.510 may be submitted to the Office via mail, hand-delivery, or via the USPTO patent electronic filing system. See MPEP § 2224 for more information on submission via mail and hand-delivery. For electronic submissions, both registered and unregistered users of the USPTO patent electronic filing system may submit a request for reexamination electronically. A request for reexamination submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system must be submitted as a new request in the electronic interface and not submitted as a follow-on paper into the patent. The Office may refer third-party inquiries, requests, or submissions that are improperly submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system by registered practitioners in applications and any other Office proceedings to the Office of Enrollment and Discipline for appropriate action.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510Practitioner DisciplinePractitioner Recognition and ConductEx Parte Reexamination Request
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2210-9086517b27c4a12eb211118f]
Office Can Refer Improper Electronic Submissions to Discipline
Note:
The Office may refer third-party electronic submissions that are improperly made via the USPTO patent system by registered practitioners to the Office of Enrollment and Discipline for appropriate action.

A request for reexamination under 37 CFR 1.510 may be submitted to the Office via mail, hand-delivery, or via the USPTO patent electronic filing system. See MPEP § 2224 for more information on submission via mail and hand-delivery. For electronic submissions, both registered and unregistered users of the USPTO patent electronic filing system may submit a request for reexamination electronically. A request for reexamination submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system must be submitted as a new request in the electronic interface and not submitted as a follow-on paper into the patent. The Office may refer third-party inquiries, requests, or submissions that are improperly submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system by registered practitioners in applications and any other Office proceedings to the Office of Enrollment and Discipline for appropriate action.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510Practitioner DisciplinePractitioner Recognition and ConductPTAB Contested Case Procedures
Topic

Third Party Requester

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2210-b3dbe57e71b9bafe7bd1a4e6]
Certification for Ex Parte Reexamination
Note:
A third party requester must certify that they are not barred by statutory estoppel from filing an ex parte reexamination request.

(b) Any request for reexamination must include the following parts:

(6) A certification by the third party requester that the statutory estoppel provisions of 35 U.S.C. 315(e)(1) or 35 U.S.C. 325(e)(1) do not prohibit the requester from filing the ex parte reexamination request.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510Third Party RequesterThird Party Requester RightsEx Parte Reexamination Request
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2210-7e6b6460655fc12ca66a4435]
Requester’s Name Cannot Be Kept Confidential During Ex Parte Reexamination
Note:
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office will not attempt to maintain the confidentiality of a requester's name when filing a request for ex parte reexamination.

Any person, at any time during the period of enforceability of a patent, may file a request for ex parte reexamination by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office of any claim of the patent based on prior art patents or printed publications, unless prohibited by the estoppel provisions of AIA 35 U.S.C. 315(e)(1) or 35 U.S.C. 325(e)(1). The estoppel provisions of AIA 35 U.S.C. 315(e)(1) or 35 U.S.C. 325(e)(1) are based on inter partes review and post-grant review, respectively, and they only prohibit the filing of a subsequent request for ex parte reexamination, once estoppel attaches; there is no estoppel as to the Office maintaining an existing ex parte reexamination proceeding. The request must include the elements set forth in 37 CFR 1.510(b) (see MPEP § 2214) and must be accompanied by the appropriate fee under 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1) or (c)(2). A request filed with the fee under 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1) must comply with all the requirements of 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1) (e.g., the request has forty (40) pages or less). See MPEP § 2214, subsection II. If a request filed by the patent owner includes a proposed amendment in accordance with 37 CFR 1.530, excess claims fees under 37 CFR 1.20(c)(3) and (c)(4) may also apply; see MPEP § 2250.03. No attempt will be made to maintain a requester’s name in confidence.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510(b)Third Party RequesterInter Partes Review (IPR)Post-Grant Review (PGR)
Topic

New Claims in Reexamination

2 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2210-57dc60f5b65050d0f6e79330]
Patent Owner May Propose New Claims During Reexamination
Note:
A patent owner may include proposed new claims in a request for ex parte reexamination as per §1.530.

(e) A request filed by the patent owner may include a proposed amendment in accordance with § 1.530.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.530New Claims in ReexaminationRequest by Patent OwnerAmendments in Reexamination
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2210-ecf61ac664efe3295dadd517]
Excess Claims Fees for Proposed Amendments During Reexamination
Note:
If a patent owner files a request for ex parte reexamination with proposed amendments, they may incur additional claims fees.

Any person, at any time during the period of enforceability of a patent, may file a request for ex parte reexamination by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office of any claim of the patent based on prior art patents or printed publications, unless prohibited by the estoppel provisions of AIA 35 U.S.C. 315(e)(1) or 35 U.S.C. 325(e)(1). The estoppel provisions of AIA 35 U.S.C. 315(e)(1) or 35 U.S.C. 325(e)(1) are based on inter partes review and post-grant review, respectively, and they only prohibit the filing of a subsequent request for ex parte reexamination, once estoppel attaches; there is no estoppel as to the Office maintaining an existing ex parte reexamination proceeding. The request must include the elements set forth in 37 CFR 1.510(b) (see MPEP § 2214) and must be accompanied by the appropriate fee under 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1) or (c)(2). A request filed with the fee under 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1) must comply with all the requirements of 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1) (e.g., the request has forty (40) pages or less). See MPEP § 2214, subsection II. If a request filed by the patent owner includes a proposed amendment in accordance with 37 CFR 1.530, excess claims fees under 37 CFR 1.20(c)(3) and (c)(4) may also apply; see MPEP § 2250.03. No attempt will be made to maintain a requester’s name in confidence.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510(b)New Claims in ReexaminationRequest by Patent OwnerAmendments in Reexamination
Topic

Request by Patent Owner

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2210-2e259d906ba03a3c25c06fb3]
Detailed Explanation of Claim Interpretation Using Patent Owner’s Statements
Note:
The request must explain how each statement from the patent owner is used to interpret claims in relation to applied prior art.

(b) Any request for reexamination must include the following parts:

For each statement of the patent owner and accompanying information submitted pursuant to § 1.501(a)(2) which is relied upon in the detailed explanation, the request must explain how that statement is being used to determine the proper meaning of a patent claim in connection with the prior art applied to that claim and how each relevant claim is being interpreted.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510Request by Patent OwnerRequest Content RequirementsEx Parte Reexamination Request
Topic

Reexamination Certificate

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2210-29843e4b387053f8897aba0b]
Requirement for Full Patent Including Drawings and Claims
Note:
A complete patent including the front face, drawings, specification/claims in double column format, and any related certificates must be submitted for reexamination.

(b) Any request for reexamination must include the following parts:

(4) A copy of the entire patent including the front face, drawings, and specification/claims (in double column format) for which reexamination is requested, and a copy of any disclaimer, certificate of correction, or reexamination certificate issued in the patent.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510Reexamination CertificateConclusion of Ex Parte ReexaminationEx Parte Reexamination
Topic

Ex Parte Reexamination

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2210-0810ad3855ea5da35f821eba]
Copies Must Be Single-Sided
Note:
All copies of the patent, including front face, drawings, and specification/claims, must be plainly written on one side of each sheet for reexamination requests.

(b) Any request for reexamination must include the following parts:

All copies must have each page plainly written on only one side of a sheet of paper.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510Ex Parte ReexaminationReexamination CertificateConclusion of Ex Parte Reexamination
Topic

Power of Attorney Requirements

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2210-c7e7c155326393187651d21e]
Attorney Must Have Power of Attorney for Client
Note:
An attorney or agent filing a request on behalf of another party must have a power of attorney from that party or be acting in a representative capacity as specified.

(f) If a request is filed by an attorney or agent identifying another party on whose behalf the request is being filed, the attorney or agent must have a power of attorney from that party or be acting in a representative capacity pursuant to § 1.34.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.34Power of Attorney RequirementsPower of AttorneyPTAB Contested Case Procedures
Topic

Inter Partes Review (IPR)

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2210-ceda94694323d29fa2cb41c7]
Estoppel After Inter Partes Review or Post-Grant Review
Note:
Prevents filing a new ex parte reexamination after estoppel from inter partes review or post-grant review attaches, but does not prevent maintaining an existing proceeding.

Any person, at any time during the period of enforceability of a patent, may file a request for ex parte reexamination by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office of any claim of the patent based on prior art patents or printed publications, unless prohibited by the estoppel provisions of AIA 35 U.S.C. 315(e)(1) or 35 U.S.C. 325(e)(1). The estoppel provisions of AIA 35 U.S.C. 315(e)(1) or 35 U.S.C. 325(e)(1) are based on inter partes review and post-grant review, respectively, and they only prohibit the filing of a subsequent request for ex parte reexamination, once estoppel attaches; there is no estoppel as to the Office maintaining an existing ex parte reexamination proceeding. The request must include the elements set forth in 37 CFR 1.510(b) (see MPEP § 2214) and must be accompanied by the appropriate fee under 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1) or (c)(2). A request filed with the fee under 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1) must comply with all the requirements of 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1) (e.g., the request has forty (40) pages or less). See MPEP § 2214, subsection II. If a request filed by the patent owner includes a proposed amendment in accordance with 37 CFR 1.530, excess claims fees under 37 CFR 1.20(c)(3) and (c)(4) may also apply; see MPEP § 2250.03. No attempt will be made to maintain a requester’s name in confidence.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510(b)Inter Partes Review (IPR)Post-Grant Review (PGR)Post-Grant Proceedings Under AIA
Topic

Practitioner Recognition and Conduct

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2210-fdd031ec4af57b33edfcec10]
Both Registered and Unregistered Users Can Submit Requests for Reexamination Electronically
Note:
Users of the USPTO patent electronic filing system, whether registered or unregistered, can submit requests for reexamination electronically.

A request for reexamination under 37 CFR 1.510 may be submitted to the Office via mail, hand-delivery, or via the USPTO patent electronic filing system. See MPEP § 2224 for more information on submission via mail and hand-delivery. For electronic submissions, both registered and unregistered users of the USPTO patent electronic filing system may submit a request for reexamination electronically. A request for reexamination submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system must be submitted as a new request in the electronic interface and not submitted as a follow-on paper into the patent. The Office may refer third-party inquiries, requests, or submissions that are improperly submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system by registered practitioners in applications and any other Office proceedings to the Office of Enrollment and Discipline for appropriate action.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510Practitioner Recognition and ConductPractitioner DisciplineEx Parte Reexamination Request
Topic

Reexamination Order

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2210-a46194e78157dd469d03578c]
Reexamination May Be Terminated If Claims Invalidated After Request
Note:
The reexamination process may be terminated if all claims are finally held invalid in a court decision rendered after the reexamination order.

After the request for reexamination, including the appropriate fee under 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1) or (c)(2), is received in the Office, no abandonment, withdrawal, or striking of the request is possible, regardless of who requests the same. In some limited circumstances, such as after a final court decision where all of the claims are finally held invalid, a reexamination order may be vacated if the decision was rendered prior to the order, and the reexamination may be terminated if the decision was rendered subsequent to the order, see MPEP § 2286.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.20(c)(1)Reexamination OrderEx Parte Reexamination RequestEx Parte Reexamination

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Ex Parte Reexamination Request
Inter Partes Review (IPR)
New Claims in Reexamination
Reexamination Filing Fee
Request Content Requirements
Third Party Requester
35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(1)
Ex Parte Reexamination Request
Inter Partes Review (IPR)
New Claims in Reexamination
Reexamination Filing Fee
Request Content Requirements
Third Party Requester
35 U.S.C. § 325(e)(1)
Inter Partes Review (IPR)
New Claims in Reexamination
Reexamination Filing Fee
Reexamination Order
Request Content Requirements
Third Party Requester
37 CFR § 1.20(c)(1)
Inter Partes Review (IPR)
New Claims in Reexamination
Reexamination Filing Fee
Request Content Requirements
Third Party Requester
37 CFR § 1.20(c)(3)
Certificate of Service
Ex Parte Reexamination Request
37 CFR § 1.33(c)
Power of Attorney Requirements37 CFR § 1.34
Ex Parte Reexamination Request
Reexamination Filing Fee
Request Content Requirements
37 CFR § 1.501
Ex Parte Reexamination Request
Request Content Requirements
Request by Patent Owner
37 CFR § 1.501(a)(2)
Practitioner Discipline
Practitioner Recognition and Conduct
37 CFR § 1.510
Inter Partes Review (IPR)
New Claims in Reexamination
Reexamination Filing Fee
Request Content Requirements
Third Party Requester
37 CFR § 1.510(b)
Inter Partes Review (IPR)
New Claims in Reexamination
Reexamination Filing Fee
Request Content Requirements
Third Party Requester
37 CFR § 1.530
Inter Partes Review (IPR)
New Claims in Reexamination
Reexamination Filing Fee
Request Content Requirements
Third Party Requester
MPEP § 2214
Practitioner Discipline
Practitioner Recognition and Conduct
MPEP § 2224
Inter Partes Review (IPR)
New Claims in Reexamination
Reexamination Filing Fee
Request Content Requirements
Third Party Requester
MPEP § 2250.03
Reexamination Filing Fee
Reexamination Order
MPEP § 2286

Source Text from USPTO’s MPEP

This is an exact copy of the MPEP from the USPTO. It is here for your reference to see the section in context.

BlueIron Last Updated: 2025-12-31