MPEP § 2232 — Public Access to Reexaminations Filed under 35 U.S.C. 302 (Annotated Rules)

§2232 Public Access to Reexaminations Filed 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 § 2232, 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.

Public Access to Reexaminations Filed under 35 U.S.C. 302

This section addresses Public Access to Reexaminations Filed under 35 U.S.C. 302. Contains: 1 requirement and 2 permissions.

Key Rules

Topic

Copies and Certified Documents

2 rules
MPEP GuidanceRequiredAlways
[mpep-2232-8c8c1d447250c95cb0aabf4b]
Certified Reexamination File Copies Must Indicate Control Number
Note:
Orders for certified copies of reexamination files, including non-patent literature, must include the control number and be placed through the PTCFB’s Certified Copy Center storefront.

Also, a certified copy of the reexamination file, including any non-patent literature, may be ordered from the Patent and Trademark Copy Fulfillment Branch (PTCFB) of the Public Records Division (PRD). Orders for such copies must indicate the control number of the reexamination proceeding. It is preferred that orders be made through the PTCFB’s Certified Copy Center storefront at https://certifiedcopycenter.uspto.gov. Alternatively, orders may be addressed to:

Jump to MPEP SourceCopies and Certified DocumentsOrdering Certified CopiesReexamination Order
MPEP GuidancePermittedAlways
[mpep-2232-4a0dd1a6e48891b4797e11e6]
Cost of Copy Must Be Charged to Credit Card or Deposit Account
Note:
The cost for copies requested via email must be charged to a credit card or deposit account.

or sent via email to: dsd@uspto.gov, and the cost of the copy may be charged to a credit card or deposit account.

Jump to MPEP SourceCopies and Certified DocumentsThird Party Access to Files (MPEP 103, 1134.01)Ex Parte Reexamination Request
Topic

Access to Application Files

1 rules
MPEP GuidancePermittedAlways
[mpep-2232-0a439a9af6a5eef81f74eaa5]
Orders for Certified Copies Must Indicate Control Number
Note:
The order must specify the control number of the reexamination proceeding when requesting a certified copy from the PTCFB.

Also, a certified copy of the reexamination file, including any non-patent literature, may be ordered from the Patent and Trademark Copy Fulfillment Branch (PTCFB) of the Public Records Division (PRD). Orders for such copies must indicate the control number of the reexamination proceeding. It is preferred that orders be made through the PTCFB’s Certified Copy Center storefront at https://certifiedcopycenter.uspto.gov. Alternatively, orders may be addressed to:

Jump to MPEP SourceAccess to Application FilesAccess to Patent Application Files (MPEP 101-106)Ex Parte Reexamination

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