MPEP § 2254 — Conduct of Ex Parte Reexamination Proceedings (Annotated Rules)

§2254 Conduct of Ex Parte Reexamination Proceedings

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 2254, 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.

Conduct of Ex Parte Reexamination Proceedings

This section addresses Conduct of Ex Parte Reexamination Proceedings. Primary authority: 35 U.S.C. 304, 35 U.S.C. 301, and 35 U.S.C. 305. Contains: 3 requirements, 1 permission, and 11 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic

Ex Parte Reexamination

6 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2254-b7ccd73b3e11bb052e3e3c71]
Patent Owner Can Extend Time for Action in Ex Parte Reexamination
Note:
A patent owner may extend the time to take action during an ex parte reexamination, subject to specific conditions and fees.
(c) The time for taking any action by a patent owner in an ex parte reexamination proceeding may be extended as provided in this paragraph.
  • (1) Any request for such an extension must specify the requested period of extension and be accompanied by the petition fee set forth in § 1.17(g).
  • (2) Any request for an extension in a third party requested ex parte reexamination must be filed on or before the day on which action by the patent owner is due, and the mere filing of such a request for extension will not effect the extension. A request for an extension in a third party requested ex parte reexamination will not be granted in the absence of sufficient cause or for more than a reasonable time.
  • (3) Any request for an extension in a patent owner requested or Director ordered ex parte reexamination for up to two months from the time period set in the Office action must be filed no later than two months from the expiration of the time period set in the Office action. A request for an extension in a patent owner requested or Director ordered ex parte reexamination for more than two months from the time period set in the Office action must be filed on or before the day on which action by the patent owner is due, and the mere filing of a request for an extension for more than two months from the time period set in the Office action will not effect the extension. The time for taking action in a patent owner requested or Director ordered ex parte reexamination will not be extended for more than two months from the time period set in the Office action in the absence of sufficient cause or for more than a reasonable time.
  • (4) The reply or other action must in any event be filed prior to the expiration of the period of extension, but in no situation may a reply or other action be filed later than the maximum time period set by statute.
  • (5) See § 90.3(c) of this title for extensions of time for filing a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit or for commencing a civil action.
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.550Ex Parte ReexaminationNotice of Appeal FilingCivil Action
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2254-6b7d60994ff211f31b377e03]
Extension Request for Third Party Ex Parte Reexamination Due Date
Note:
A request for extension in a third party requested ex parte reexamination must be filed on or before the patent owner's due date and requires sufficient cause.

(c) The time for taking any action by a patent owner in an ex parte reexamination proceeding may be extended as provided in this paragraph.

(2) Any request for an extension in a third party requested ex parte reexamination must be filed on or before the day on which action by the patent owner is due, and the mere filing of such a request for extension will not effect the extension.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.550Ex Parte ReexaminationMaintenance Fee PaymentPTAB Contested Case Procedures
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2254-1a7c9c1e149a394e1f040768]
Extension Request for Third Party Ex Parte Reexamination
Note:
A request for an extension must be filed promptly and will not be granted without sufficient cause or for more than a reasonable time.

(c) The time for taking any action by a patent owner in an ex parte reexamination proceeding may be extended as provided in this paragraph.

A request for an extension in a third party requested ex parte reexamination will not be granted in the absence of sufficient cause or for more than a reasonable time.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.550Ex Parte ReexaminationPTAB Contested Case ProceduresMaintenance Fee Payment
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2254-fc8f757d6f014fd5c5e86ebd]
Ex Parte Reexamination Conducted with Special Dispatch
Note:
The reexamination proceeding must be expedited within the Office as per 35 U.S.C. 305, last sentence.

The examination will be conducted in accordance with 37 CFR 1.104, 1.105, 1.110 – 1.113, and 1.116 (35 U.S.C. 132 and 133) and will result in the issuance of a reexamination certificate under 37 CFR 1.570. The proceeding shall be conducted with special dispatch within the Office pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 305, last sentence. A full search will not routinely be made by the examiner. The third party reexamination requester will be sent copies of Office actions and the patent owner must serve responses on the requester. Citations submitted in the patent file prior to issuance of an order for reexamination will be considered by the examiner during the reexamination. Reexamination will proceed even if the copy of the order sent to the patent owner is returned undelivered. The notice under 37 CFR 1.11(c) is constructive notice to the patent owner and lack of response from the patent owner will not delay reexamination. See MPEP § 2230.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.104Ex Parte ReexaminationReexamination CertificateInterviews in Reexamination
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2254-e7a0df6949fd7acdab0b00b6]
No Routine Examiner Search Required
Note:
Examiner will not conduct a full search routinely during ex parte reexamination proceedings.

The examination will be conducted in accordance with 37 CFR 1.104, 1.105, 1.110 – 1.113, and 1.116 (35 U.S.C. 132 and 133) and will result in the issuance of a reexamination certificate under 37 CFR 1.570. The proceeding shall be conducted with special dispatch within the Office pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 305, last sentence. A full search will not routinely be made by the examiner. The third party reexamination requester will be sent copies of Office actions and the patent owner must serve responses on the requester. Citations submitted in the patent file prior to issuance of an order for reexamination will be considered by the examiner during the reexamination. Reexamination will proceed even if the copy of the order sent to the patent owner is returned undelivered. The notice under 37 CFR 1.11(c) is constructive notice to the patent owner and lack of response from the patent owner will not delay reexamination. See MPEP § 2230.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.104Ex Parte ReexaminationReexamination CertificateInterviews in Reexamination
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2254-6ddf14ccb9bd7355cb1fd15a]
Constructive Notice for Lack of Response
Note:
The notice under 37 CFR 1.11(c) serves as constructive notice, and the patent owner's failure to respond will not delay the reexamination process.

The examination will be conducted in accordance with 37 CFR 1.104, 1.105, 1.110 – 1.113, and 1.116 (35 U.S.C. 132 and 133) and will result in the issuance of a reexamination certificate under 37 CFR 1.570. The proceeding shall be conducted with special dispatch within the Office pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 305, last sentence. A full search will not routinely be made by the examiner. The third party reexamination requester will be sent copies of Office actions and the patent owner must serve responses on the requester. Citations submitted in the patent file prior to issuance of an order for reexamination will be considered by the examiner during the reexamination. Reexamination will proceed even if the copy of the order sent to the patent owner is returned undelivered. The notice under 37 CFR 1.11(c) is constructive notice to the patent owner and lack of response from the patent owner will not delay reexamination. See MPEP § 2230.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.104Ex Parte ReexaminationReexamination CertificateInterviews in Reexamination
Topic

Reexamination Order

5 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2254-0414222a8753f6b056a1e6a7]
Reexamination Follows Initial Examination Procedures
Note:
After the initial filing deadlines, reexamination follows the same procedures as the initial examination.

After the times for filing the statement and reply provided for by section 304 have expired, reexamination will be conducted according to the procedures established for initial examination under the provisions of sections 132 and 133. In any reexamination proceeding under this chapter, the patent owner will be permitted to propose any amendment to his patent and a new claim or claims thereto, in order to distinguish the invention as claimed from the prior art cited under the provisions of section 301, or in response to a decision adverse to the patentability of a claim of a patent. No proposed amended or new claim enlarging the scope of a claim of the patent will be permitted in a reexamination proceeding under this chapter. All reexamination proceedings under this section, including any appeal to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, will be conducted with special dispatch within the Office.

Jump to MPEP SourceReexamination OrderScope of Amendments PermittedEx Parte Reexamination
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2254-7fb191fbf18567bde07e3d75]
Submissions by Third Parties After Ex Parte Reexamination Order Must Meet §1.501(a) Requirements
Note:
Submissions by third parties filed after the ex parte reexamination order must comply with the requirements of §1.501(a).

(h) Submissions by third parties, filed after the date of the order for ex parte reexamination pursuant to § 1.525, must meet the requirements of and will be treated in accordance with § 1.501(a).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.525Reexamination OrderEx Parte Reexamination
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2254-e4d7039314a08720a7e7396d]
Patent Owner Must File Own Submission
Note:
A patent owner must file their own submission in a reexamination proceeding and cannot include papers prepared by a third party.

The patent owner may not file papers on behalf of the requester and thereby circumvent the intent of the ex parte reexamination legislation and the rules. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit held in Emerson Elec. Co. v. Davoil, Inc., 88 F.3d 1051, 39 USPQ2d 1474 (Fed. Cir. 1996) that a federal district court does not have the authority to order a patent owner to file papers prepared by a third party in addition to the patent owner’s own submission in a patent reexamination proceeding. Such papers prepared by the third party and filed by the patent owner will not be entered, and the entire submission will be returned to the patent owner as an inappropriate response. See MPEP § 2266 and § 2267.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.550Reexamination OrderPTAB JurisdictionEx Parte Reexamination
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2254-7d512bac566672052e6b9df1]
Citations Submitted Before Reexamination Order Will Be Examined
Note:
Patent file citations submitted prior to the issuance of a reexamination order will be reviewed by the examiner during the reexamination process.

The examination will be conducted in accordance with 37 CFR 1.104, 1.105, 1.110 – 1.113, and 1.116 (35 U.S.C. 132 and 133) and will result in the issuance of a reexamination certificate under 37 CFR 1.570. The proceeding shall be conducted with special dispatch within the Office pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 305, last sentence. A full search will not routinely be made by the examiner. The third party reexamination requester will be sent copies of Office actions and the patent owner must serve responses on the requester. Citations submitted in the patent file prior to issuance of an order for reexamination will be considered by the examiner during the reexamination. Reexamination will proceed even if the copy of the order sent to the patent owner is returned undelivered. The notice under 37 CFR 1.11(c) is constructive notice to the patent owner and lack of response from the patent owner will not delay reexamination. See MPEP § 2230.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.104Reexamination OrderPTAB JurisdictionEx Parte Reexamination
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2254-8966495f5108658c2b94ed4c]
Reexamination Proceeds Without Delivered Order
Note:
Patent reexamination will continue even if the order sent to the patent owner is returned undelivered.

The examination will be conducted in accordance with 37 CFR 1.104, 1.105, 1.110 – 1.113, and 1.116 (35 U.S.C. 132 and 133) and will result in the issuance of a reexamination certificate under 37 CFR 1.570. The proceeding shall be conducted with special dispatch within the Office pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 305, last sentence. A full search will not routinely be made by the examiner. The third party reexamination requester will be sent copies of Office actions and the patent owner must serve responses on the requester. Citations submitted in the patent file prior to issuance of an order for reexamination will be considered by the examiner during the reexamination. Reexamination will proceed even if the copy of the order sent to the patent owner is returned undelivered. The notice under 37 CFR 1.11(c) is constructive notice to the patent owner and lack of response from the patent owner will not delay reexamination. See MPEP § 2230.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.104Reexamination OrderEx Parte ReexaminationReexamination Certificate
Topic

Third Party Requester

4 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2254-1e064d255469817657f4777f]
No Further Submissions After Ex Parte Request Reply
Note:
The active participation of the ex parte reexamination requester ends with their reply, and no further submissions will be acknowledged unless they comply with specific requirements or were entered before the order for ex parte reexamination.
(g) The active participation of the ex parte reexamination requester ends with the reply pursuant to § 1.535, and no further submissions on behalf of the reexamination requester will be acknowledged or considered. Further, no submissions on behalf of any third parties will be acknowledged or considered unless such submissions are:
  • (1) in accordance with § 1.510 or § 1.535; or
  • (2) entered in the patent file prior to the date of the order for ex parte reexamination pursuant to § 1.525.
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.535Third Party RequesterThird Party Requester ReplyEx Parte Reexamination
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2254-9b59bf6348d6e8dbcc601b55]
No Further Third Party Submissions Allowed After Ex Parte Reexamination Order
Note:
Once ex parte reexamination is ordered and response times expire, no further submissions from third party requesters will be acknowledged or considered unless they comply with specific requirements.

Once ex parte reexamination is ordered pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 304 and the times for submitting any responses to the order have expired, no further active participation by a third party reexamination requester is allowed, and no third party submissions will be acknowledged or considered unless they are in accordance with 37 CFR 1.510. The reexamination proceedings will be ex parte, even if ordered based on a request filed by a third party, because this was the intention of the legislation. Ex parte proceedings preclude the introduction of arguments and issues by the third party requester which are not within the intent of 35 U.S.C. 305 (“reexamination will be conducted according to the procedures established for initial examination under the provisions of sections 132 and 133 ”).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510Third Party RequesterThird Party Requester RightsReexamination Order
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2254-2e86094b47bfa05471c2ce21]
Third Party Requester Excluded From Further Participation
Note:
If a third party requests ex parte reexamination, they are excluded from further participation after the initial order and response times have expired.

Once ex parte reexamination is ordered pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 304 and the times for submitting any responses to the order have expired, no further active participation by a third party reexamination requester is allowed, and no third party submissions will be acknowledged or considered unless they are in accordance with 37 CFR 1.510. The reexamination proceedings will be ex parte, even if ordered based on a request filed by a third party, because this was the intention of the legislation. Ex parte proceedings preclude the introduction of arguments and issues by the third party requester which are not within the intent of 35 U.S.C. 305 (“reexamination will be conducted according to the procedures established for initial examination under the provisions of sections 132 and 133 ”).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510Third Party RequesterThird Party Requester RightsReexamination Order
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2254-2cbc4271868da23e1d7a0856]
Ex Parte Proceedings Limit Third Party Issues
Note:
Limitations on arguments and issues introduced by third party requesters in ex parte reexamination proceedings must adhere to the procedures established for initial examination under sections 132 and 133.

Once ex parte reexamination is ordered pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 304 and the times for submitting any responses to the order have expired, no further active participation by a third party reexamination requester is allowed, and no third party submissions will be acknowledged or considered unless they are in accordance with 37 CFR 1.510. The reexamination proceedings will be ex parte, even if ordered based on a request filed by a third party, because this was the intention of the legislation. Ex parte proceedings preclude the introduction of arguments and issues by the third party requester which are not within the intent of 35 U.S.C. 305 (“reexamination will be conducted according to the procedures established for initial examination under the provisions of sections 132 and 133 ”).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.510Third Party RequesterThird Party Requester RightsInter Partes Reexamination Request
Topic

Reexamination Certificate

3 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2254-d869f359e9be611f9fc73835]
Ex Parte Reexamination Examination Conducted According to Specific Sections
Note:
The examination after issuance of the ex parte reexamination order and expiration of responses will follow specific sections and result in an ex parte reexamination certificate.

(a) All ex parte reexamination proceedings, including any appeals to the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, will be conducted with special dispatch within the Office. After issuance of the ex parte reexamination order and expiration of the time for submitting any responses, the examination will be conducted in accordance with §§ 1.104 through 1.116 and will result in the issuance of an ex parte reexamination certificate under § 1.570.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.104Reexamination CertificateConclusion of Ex Parte ReexaminationReexamination Order
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2254-7892fe1b46f812375475f9fe]
Patent Owner Must Respond Timely to Office Actions
Note:
The patent owner must file a timely and appropriate response to any Office action or interview statement required under §1.560(b); failure to do so results in termination of the ex parte reexamination proceeding.

(d) If the patent owner fails to file a timely and appropriate response to any Office action or any written statement of an interview required under § 1.560(b), the prosecution in the ex parte reexamination proceeding will be a terminated prosecution, and the Director will proceed to issue and publish a certificate concluding the reexamination proceeding under § 1.570 in accordance with the last action of the Office.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.560(b)Reexamination CertificateInterviews in ReexaminationConclusion of Ex Parte Reexamination
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2254-11f5623875f1beab3d57a652]
Requirement for Reexamination Certificate Issuance
Note:
The examination will be conducted according to specific regulations and result in the issuance of a reexamination certificate, even if the patent owner does not respond.

The examination will be conducted in accordance with 37 CFR 1.104, 1.105, 1.110 – 1.113, and 1.116 (35 U.S.C. 132 and 133) and will result in the issuance of a reexamination certificate under 37 CFR 1.570. The proceeding shall be conducted with special dispatch within the Office pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 305, last sentence. A full search will not routinely be made by the examiner. The third party reexamination requester will be sent copies of Office actions and the patent owner must serve responses on the requester. Citations submitted in the patent file prior to issuance of an order for reexamination will be considered by the examiner during the reexamination. Reexamination will proceed even if the copy of the order sent to the patent owner is returned undelivered. The notice under 37 CFR 1.11(c) is constructive notice to the patent owner and lack of response from the patent owner will not delay reexamination. See MPEP § 2230.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.104Reexamination CertificateConclusion of Ex Parte ReexaminationExamination in Reexamination
Topic

Response Time Periods

3 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2254-0cef73eb4bec0e713ea5cb3e]
Extension Request for Ex Parte Reexamination
Note:
Patent owners must file extension requests no later than two months from the Office action's deadline for up to two months of additional time.

(c) The time for taking any action by a patent owner in an ex parte reexamination proceeding may be extended as provided in this paragraph.

(3) Any request for an extension in a patent owner requested or Director ordered ex parte reexamination for up to two months from the time period set in the Office action must be filed no later than two months from the expiration of the time period set in the Office action.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.550Response Time PeriodsExamination in ReexaminationReexamination Order
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2254-69d7aaec7d86e2b8df5c9578]
Extension Request for Ex Parte Reexamination
Note:
A request for an extension in a patent owner requested or Director ordered ex parte reexamination must be filed on or before the due date if more than two months have passed from the Office action time period.

(c) The time for taking any action by a patent owner in an ex parte reexamination proceeding may be extended as provided in this paragraph.

A request for an extension in a patent owner requested or Director ordered ex parte reexamination for more than two months from the time period set in the Office action must be filed on or before the day on which action by the patent owner is due, and the mere filing of a request for an extension for more than two months from the time period set in the Office action will not effect the extension.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.550Response Time PeriodsExamination in ReexaminationReexamination Order
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2254-cbd2dc6fef625df9c9f094be]
Time for Patent Owner Action in Ex Parte Reexamination
Note:
The time for a patent owner to respond in an ex parte reexamination cannot be extended beyond two months from the Office action's deadline unless sufficient cause exists.

(c) The time for taking any action by a patent owner in an ex parte reexamination proceeding may be extended as provided in this paragraph.

The time for taking action in a patent owner requested or Director ordered ex parte reexamination will not be extended for more than two months from the time period set in the Office action in the absence of sufficient cause or for more than a reasonable time.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.550Response Time PeriodsExamination in ReexaminationReexamination Order
Topic

Third Party Requester Rights

3 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2254-9eb6079bd3ee24b01261ff26]
Office Actions Must Be Sent to Reexamination Requester
Note:
The reexamination requester must be sent copies of Office actions issued during the ex parte reexamination proceeding.

(f) The reexamination requester will be sent copies of Office actions issued during the ex parte reexamination proceeding. After filing of a request for ex parte reexamination by a third party requester, any document filed by either the patent owner or the third party requester must be served on the other party in the reexamination proceeding in the manner provided by § 1.248. The document must reflect service or the document may be refused consideration by the Office.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.248Third Party Requester RightsInter Partes Reexamination RequestInter Partes Reexamination
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2254-a0b1f22f09c47b4746a59b11]
Documents Filed Must Be Served on Other Party
Note:
Any document filed by the patent owner or third party requester in an ex parte reexamination proceeding must be served on the other party according to §1.248.

(f) The reexamination requester will be sent copies of Office actions issued during the ex parte reexamination proceeding. After filing of a request for ex parte reexamination by a third party requester, any document filed by either the patent owner or the third party requester must be served on the other party in the reexamination proceeding in the manner provided by § 1.248. The document must reflect service or the document may be refused consideration by the Office.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.248Third Party Requester RightsInter Partes Reexamination RequestInter Partes Reexamination
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2254-5ea5fb137f5547c97137d660]
Document Must Reflect Service For Consideration
Note:
Documents filed by either the patent owner or third party requester must reflect service to be considered by the Office.

(f) The reexamination requester will be sent copies of Office actions issued during the ex parte reexamination proceeding. After filing of a request for ex parte reexamination by a third party requester, any document filed by either the patent owner or the third party requester must be served on the other party in the reexamination proceeding in the manner provided by § 1.248. The document must reflect service or the document may be refused consideration by the Office.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.248Third Party Requester RightsInter Partes Reexamination RequestInter Partes Reexamination
Topic

New Claims in Reexamination

2 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2254-54a23ab46bf052e9e0da5e21]
Patent Owner Can Propose New Claims in Reexamination
Note:
The patent owner is permitted to propose new claims to distinguish the invention from prior art or in response to a decision adverse to patentability.

After the times for filing the statement and reply provided for by section 304 have expired, reexamination will be conducted according to the procedures established for initial examination under the provisions of sections 132 and 133. In any reexamination proceeding under this chapter, the patent owner will be permitted to propose any amendment to his patent and a new claim or claims thereto, in order to distinguish the invention as claimed from the prior art cited under the provisions of section 301, or in response to a decision adverse to the patentability of a claim of a patent. No proposed amended or new claim enlarging the scope of a claim of the patent will be permitted in a reexamination proceeding under this chapter. All reexamination proceedings under this section, including any appeal to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, will be conducted with special dispatch within the Office.

Jump to MPEP SourceNew Claims in ReexaminationPrior Consideration of ArtAmendments in Reexamination
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2254-57aa0cdf675636eb44896a42]
No Enlarging Claims Allowed in Reexamination
Note:
Patent owners cannot propose new claims that expand the scope of existing claims during reexamination proceedings.

After the times for filing the statement and reply provided for by section 304 have expired, reexamination will be conducted according to the procedures established for initial examination under the provisions of sections 132 and 133. In any reexamination proceeding under this chapter, the patent owner will be permitted to propose any amendment to his patent and a new claim or claims thereto, in order to distinguish the invention as claimed from the prior art cited under the provisions of section 301, or in response to a decision adverse to the patentability of a claim of a patent. No proposed amended or new claim enlarging the scope of a claim of the patent will be permitted in a reexamination proceeding under this chapter. All reexamination proceedings under this section, including any appeal to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, will be conducted with special dispatch within the Office.

Jump to MPEP SourceNew Claims in ReexaminationEx Parte ReexaminationScope of Amendments Permitted
Topic

Appeals in Reexamination

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2254-8638f0db6d8345f2433666c3]
Reexamination Proceedings Conducted with Special Dispatch
Note:
All reexamination proceedings, including appeals to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, will be expedited within the Office.

After the times for filing the statement and reply provided for by section 304 have expired, reexamination will be conducted according to the procedures established for initial examination under the provisions of sections 132 and 133. In any reexamination proceeding under this chapter, the patent owner will be permitted to propose any amendment to his patent and a new claim or claims thereto, in order to distinguish the invention as claimed from the prior art cited under the provisions of section 301, or in response to a decision adverse to the patentability of a claim of a patent. No proposed amended or new claim enlarging the scope of a claim of the patent will be permitted in a reexamination proceeding under this chapter. All reexamination proceedings under this section, including any appeal to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, will be conducted with special dispatch within the Office.

Jump to MPEP SourceAppeals in ReexaminationPTAB JurisdictionPTAB Contested Case Procedures
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2254-a20ae4d55646a490d7c49c4f]
Ex Parte Reexamination Proceedings Conducted with Special Dispatch
Note:
All ex parte reexamination proceedings, including appeals to the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, must be conducted promptly within the Office.

(a) All ex parte reexamination proceedings, including any appeals to the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, will be conducted with special dispatch within the Office. After issuance of the ex parte reexamination order and expiration of the time for submitting any responses, the examination will be conducted in accordance with §§ 1.104 through 1.116 and will result in the issuance of an ex parte reexamination certificate under § 1.570.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.104Appeals in ReexaminationPTAB JurisdictionEx Parte Reexamination
Topic

Types of Office Actions

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2254-3c2be0d70d213341cf7bb5e6]
Patent Owner Must Respond to Office Actions Within Thirty Days
Note:
The patent owner must respond to any Office action within thirty days, and the response may include further statements or proposed amendments/new claims to make all claims patentable.

(b) The patent owner in an ex parte reexamination proceeding will be given at least thirty days to respond to any Office action. In response to any rejection, such response may include further statements and/or proposed amendments or new claims to place the patent in a condition where all claims, if amended as proposed, would be patentable.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.550Types of Office ActionsResponse to Office Action Requirements (37 CFR 1.111)Examination in Reexamination
Topic

Processing Fees

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2254-8ca4355f5952954cb60c707e]
Request for Extension of Time Must Include Specified Period and Fee
Note:
A patent owner must specify the requested extension period and pay the fee when requesting an extension in an ex parte reexamination proceeding.

(c) The time for taking any action by a patent owner in an ex parte reexamination proceeding may be extended as provided in this paragraph. (1) Any request for such an extension must specify the requested period of extension and be accompanied by the petition fee set forth in § 1.17(g).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.550Processing FeesFee RequirementsEx Parte Reexamination
Topic

Patent Term Expiration

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2254-519cc7078ba4120246f3aeb4]
Reply Must Be Filed Before Extension Expiration
Note:
A reply or other action must be filed before the period of extension expires and cannot be later than the maximum statutory time period.

(c) The time for taking any action by a patent owner in an ex parte reexamination proceeding may be extended as provided in this paragraph.

(4) The reply or other action must in any event be filed prior to the expiration of the period of extension, but in no situation may a reply or other action be filed later than the maximum time period set by statute.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.550Patent Term ExpirationPatent TermEx Parte Reexamination
Topic

Unintentional Delay Standard

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2254-8ca039faaff8fd42caec21aa]
Unintentional Delay Petition for Reexamination Revival
Note:
Patent owner may file a petition under §1.137 to revive terminated reexamination if response was untimely but unintentional.

(e) If a response by the patent owner is not timely filed in the Office, a petition may be filed pursuant to § 1.137 to revive a reexamination prosecution terminated under paragraph (d) of this section if the delay in response was unintentional.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.137Unintentional Delay StandardRevival of Abandoned ApplicationAbandonment & Revival
Topic

Petition for Delayed Benefit Claim

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2254-6b7f38696e7c6d4cade2a318]
Fee Required for Petitions Except Specific Cases
Note:
A fee must accompany a petition in an ex parte reexamination proceeding, except for certain types of petitions that are exempt.

(i) A petition in an ex parte reexamination proceeding must be accompanied by the fee set forth in § 1.20(c)(6), except for petitions under paragraph (c) of this section to extend the period for response by a patent owner, petitions under paragraph (e) of this section to accept a delayed response by a patent owner, petitions under § 1.78 to accept an unintentionally delayed benefit claim, and petitions under § 1.530(l) for correction of inventorship in a reexamination proceeding.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.20(c)(6)Petition for Delayed Benefit ClaimUnintentional Delay StandardPatent Owner Statement
Topic

PTAB Jurisdiction

1 rules
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-2254-5fa5c09dd0a5ea5ab29fc626]
Patent Owner Cannot File Papers on Behalf of Requester
Note:
The patent owner is prohibited from filing papers prepared by a third party to avoid the intent of ex parte reexamination rules.

The patent owner may not file papers on behalf of the requester and thereby circumvent the intent of the ex parte reexamination legislation and the rules. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit held in Emerson Elec. Co. v. Davoil, Inc., 88 F.3d 1051, 39 USPQ2d 1474 (Fed. Cir. 1996) that a federal district court does not have the authority to order a patent owner to file papers prepared by a third party in addition to the patent owner’s own submission in a patent reexamination proceeding. Such papers prepared by the third party and filed by the patent owner will not be entered, and the entire submission will be returned to the patent owner as an inappropriate response. See MPEP § 2266 and § 2267.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.550PTAB JurisdictionEx Parte ReexaminationReexamination Order
Topic

Interviews in Reexamination

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2254-3f4248fd37d061ceb1ffbc0b]
Third Party Reexamination Requester Must Receive Office Actions
Note:
The patent owner must serve responses on the third party reexamination requester, who will be sent copies of Office actions.

The examination will be conducted in accordance with 37 CFR 1.104, 1.105, 1.110 – 1.113, and 1.116 (35 U.S.C. 132 and 133) and will result in the issuance of a reexamination certificate under 37 CFR 1.570. The proceeding shall be conducted with special dispatch within the Office pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 305, last sentence. A full search will not routinely be made by the examiner. The third party reexamination requester will be sent copies of Office actions and the patent owner must serve responses on the requester. Citations submitted in the patent file prior to issuance of an order for reexamination will be considered by the examiner during the reexamination. Reexamination will proceed even if the copy of the order sent to the patent owner is returned undelivered. The notice under 37 CFR 1.11(c) is constructive notice to the patent owner and lack of response from the patent owner will not delay reexamination. See MPEP § 2230.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.104Interviews in ReexaminationPTAB Contested Case ProceduresEx Parte Reexamination

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Ex Parte Reexamination
Interviews in Reexamination
Reexamination Certificate
Reexamination Order
35 U.S.C. § 132
PTAB Jurisdiction
Reexamination Order
35 U.S.C. § 2267
Third Party Requester35 U.S.C. § 304
Ex Parte Reexamination
Interviews in Reexamination
Reexamination Certificate
Reexamination Order
Third Party Requester
35 U.S.C. § 305
Appeals in Reexamination
Ex Parte Reexamination
Interviews in Reexamination
Reexamination Certificate
Reexamination Order
37 CFR § 1.104
Ex Parte Reexamination
Interviews in Reexamination
Reexamination Certificate
Reexamination Order
37 CFR § 1.11(c)
Unintentional Delay Standard37 CFR § 1.137
Ex Parte Reexamination
Processing Fees
37 CFR § 1.17(g)
Petition for Delayed Benefit Claim37 CFR § 1.20(c)(6)
Third Party Requester Rights37 CFR § 1.248
Reexamination Order37 CFR § 1.501(a)
Third Party Requester37 CFR § 1.510
Reexamination Order
Third Party Requester
37 CFR § 1.525
Petition for Delayed Benefit Claim37 CFR § 1.530(l)
Third Party Requester37 CFR § 1.535
Reexamination Certificate37 CFR § 1.560(b)
Appeals in Reexamination
Ex Parte Reexamination
Interviews in Reexamination
Reexamination Certificate
Reexamination Order
37 CFR § 1.570
Petition for Delayed Benefit Claim37 CFR § 1.78
Ex Parte Reexamination37 CFR § 90.3(c)
Ex Parte Reexamination
Interviews in Reexamination
Reexamination Certificate
Reexamination Order
MPEP § 2230
PTAB Jurisdiction
Reexamination Order
MPEP § 2266

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