MPEP § 1002.02(c) — Petitions and Requests Decided by the Technology Center Directors (Annotated Rules)

§1002.02(c) Petitions and Requests Decided by the Technology Center Directors

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 1002.02(c), 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.

Petitions and Requests Decided by the Technology Center Directors

This section addresses Petitions and Requests Decided by the Technology Center Directors. Primary authority: 37 CFR 1.198, 37 CFR 1.144, and 37 CFR 1.499. Contains: 7 statements.

Key Rules

Topic

Issue Fees

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1002-02-c-0a06c1df10dca21eacfd078d]
Petition to Withdraw Patent Application Before Issue Fee Payment
Note:
Allows the USPTO to request withdrawal of a patent application before payment of the issue fee when the application is with the Technology Center.

16. Petitions, or requests at the initiative of the USPTO, to withdraw patent applications from issue before payment of the issue fee, 37 CFR 1.313(a), where the application is before the Technology Center.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.313(a)Issue FeesMaintenance Fee AmountsFee Requirements
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1002-02-c-ebc8abcace1e28b5733fd903]
USPTO Can Withdraw Issued Patents After Fee Payment
Note:
The USPTO has the authority to withdraw an issued patent application after the issue fee is paid, as per 37 CFR 1.313(b) and MPEP § 1308, subsection II.

17. Requests at the initiative of the USPTO to withdraw patent applications from issue after payment of the issue fee under 37 CFR 1.313(b), MPEP § 1308, subsection II.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.313(b)Issue FeesMaintenance Fee AmountsFee Requirements
Topic

Examiner Sustained – Amendment Options

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1002-02-c-9806d3ad527f367fbdd4f56c]
Petition to Reopen Patent Application After PTAB Decision Without Court Action
Note:
Allows petitioning to reopen patent application prosecution or reinstate a rejection after PTAB decision if no court action has been filed.

1. Petitions or requests to reopen prosecution of patent applications or to reinstate a rejection after decision by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board under 37 CFR 1.198, where no court action has been filed, MPEP §§ 1214.04 and 1214.07.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.198Examiner Sustained – Amendment OptionsReopening Prosecution After AppealPetition to Reinstate
Topic

Restriction and Election Practice (MPEP Chapter 800)

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1002-02-c-1662b751f1bc838c533ac29e]
Petitions and Protests on Lack of Unity Requirement
Note:
This rule outlines the process for filing petitions and protests when an examiner requires a patent application to show unity of invention.

2. Petitions under 37 CFR 1.144 after requirement for restriction by an examiner in a patent application (MPEP § 818.01(c)), including a final requirement finding that a national stage application lacks unity of invention (37 CFR 1.499 and MPEP § 1893.03(d)); and protests following a holding of lack of unity of invention by the USPTO in its capacity as International Searching Authority (37 CFR 1.477 and MPEP § 1850) or International Preliminary Examining Authority (37 CFR 1.489 and MPEP § 1875.02).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.144Restriction and Election Practice (MPEP Chapter 800)
Topic

Statutory Authority of USPTO Director (MPEP 1001)

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1002-02-c-1aa206a72bd3c5ce3d411f47]
Supervisory Authority for Ex Parte Actions Not Appealable
Note:
Petitions to the USPTO Director regarding non-appealable examiner actions not otherwise provided for.
3. Petitions invoking the supervisory authority of the Director of the USPTO under 37 CFR 1.181 involving any ex parte action or requirement in a patent application by the examiner which is not subject to appeal (37 CFR 1.191) and not otherwise provided for, as for example:
Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.181Statutory Authority of USPTO Director (MPEP 1001)Ex Parte Appeals to PTABDirector Authority and Petitions (MPEP 1000)
Topic

Shortened Statutory Period

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1002-02-c-51754befffa296989f81e891]
Request for Extension of Set Shortened Statutory Period
Note:
This rule outlines the process for requesting extensions on a set shortened statutory period in applications pending with the Technology Center.

5. Requests for extensions of a set shortened statutory period under 37 CFR 1.136(b) in applications pending in the Technology Center, MPEP § 710.02(e).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.136(b)Shortened Statutory PeriodStatutory Period Computation (37 CFR 1.134)Period for Reply (37 CFR 1.134)
Topic

Appeals in Reexamination

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1002-02-c-6a7a88c5eae3f67c6a58a6fb]
Petitions for Appeal of Ex Parte Reexamination Before PTAB Transfer
Note:
This rule outlines the process for filing petitions concerning appealed patent applications or ex parte reexamination proceedings before jurisdiction is transferred to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, including extensions for appeal briefs.

7. Petitions concerning appealed patent applications or ex parte reexamination proceedings before transfer of jurisdiction to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (e.g., extension of time under 37 CFR 1.136(b) or 1.550(c) for filing an appeal brief), MPEP § 1205.01.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.136(b)Appeals in ReexaminationPTAB JurisdictionEx Parte Reexamination
Topic

Director Authority and Petitions (MPEP 1000)

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1002-02-c-30f54e29189f1fd27fceee57]
Petition for Certificate of Correction Not Involved in Interference
Note:
Allows filing a petition to correct a patent not involved in an interference, subject to specific requirements.

8. Petitions from refusal to issue a certificate of correction for a patent not involved in an interference, 37 CFR 1.181, MPEP §§ 1480 – 1485.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.181Director Authority and Petitions (MPEP 1000)
Topic

Petition to Reinstate

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1002-02-c-770194840891692a7b851e56]
Petitions to Reinstate Appeals Dismissed in Technology Center
Note:
This rule outlines the process for filing petitions to reinstate appeals that were dismissed by the Technology Center, as detailed in MPEP § 1205.01.

9. Petitions to reinstate appeals dismissed in the Technology Center. See MPEP § 1205.01.

Jump to MPEP SourcePetition to ReinstatePatent ReinstatementLate Payment and Reinstatement
Topic

Ex Parte Reexamination Request

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1002-02-c-9a16db351a6585a19f71440f]
Petition Required After Denial of Reexamination Request
Note:
A petition must be filed after the denial of a reexamination request, following specific requirements outlined in 37 CFR 1.515(c) and MPEP § 2248.

10. Petitions from the denial of a request for reexamination, 37 CFR 1.515(c), MPEP § 2248.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.515(c)Ex Parte Reexamination RequestEx Parte Reexamination
Topic

Ex Parte Reexamination

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1002-02-c-1d713b6d99693025dcc9aced]
Request for Extension of Time in Ex Parte Reexamination Proceedings
Note:
This rule outlines the requirements for requesting an extension of time during ex parte reexamination proceedings.

11. Requests for extension of time in ex parte reexamination proceedings, 37 CFR 1.550(c).

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.550(c)Ex Parte Reexamination
Topic

Restriction Requirement (MPEP 802-803)

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1002-02-c-e4521a08d01d623bb815186e]
Petition Requirement for Traversing Transitional Restriction
Note:
This rule requires a petition under 37 CFR 1.129(b)(2) to traverse a restriction requirement in an application subject to transitional restriction provisions as outlined in MPEP § 803.03.

12. Petitions under 37 CFR 1.129(b)(2) traversing a restriction requirement made in an application which is subject to the transitional restriction provisions, MPEP § 803.03.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.129(b)(2)Restriction Requirement (MPEP 802-803)Restriction and Election Practice (MPEP Chapter 800)
Topic

Conversion to Nonprovisional

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1002-02-c-8fec7d98cb352c6c14a60a3c]
Petition to Convert Nonprovisional to Provisional Application Before Technology Center
Note:
Allows filing a petition to convert a nonprovisional application, initially filed under 37 CFR 1.53(b), into a provisional application under 37 CFR 1.53(c) while the application is with the Technology Center.

13. Petitions to convert a nonprovisional application filed under 37 CFR 1.53(b) to a provisional application under 37 CFR 1.53(c) where the nonprovisional application is before the Technology Center.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.53(b)Conversion to NonprovisionalProvisional Application RequirementsNonprovisional Applications
Topic

PTAB Jurisdiction

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1002-02-c-df9c66cc70e84e89a23fb126]
Interviews After Notice of Allowability or PTAB Transfer Required
Note:
Patent applicants must request interviews with examiners after receiving a Notice of Allowability or after jurisdiction is transferred to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.

14. Requests for interviews with examiner after a patent application has been sent to issue (Notice of Allowability mailed), MPEP § 713.10, or after transfer of jurisdiction to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, MPEP § 1204.03.

Jump to MPEP SourcePTAB JurisdictionPTAB Contested Case ProceduresEx Parte Appeals to PTAB
Topic

Sequence Listing Format

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1002-02-c-7f3f410bf01ad7829379742d]
Petitions for Sequence Listing Compliance
Note:
This rule outlines the process for filing petitions related to compliance with sequence listing rules as specified in 37 CFR sections 1.821-1.825 and 1.831-1.835.

21. Petitions regarding sequence rules, 37 CFR 1.821 – 1.825 and 1.831 – 1.835.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.821Sequence Listing FormatSequence Listing Requirements

Citations

Primary topicCitation
37 CFR § 1.103(a)
Statutory Authority of USPTO Director (MPEP 1001)37 CFR § 1.105
Statutory Authority of USPTO Director (MPEP 1001)37 CFR § 1.111
37 CFR § 1.113
Restriction Requirement (MPEP 802-803)37 CFR § 1.129(b)(2)
Statutory Authority of USPTO Director (MPEP 1001)37 CFR § 1.131(a)
Statutory Authority of USPTO Director (MPEP 1001)37 CFR § 1.132
Appeals in Reexamination
Shortened Statutory Period
37 CFR § 1.136(b)
Restriction and Election Practice (MPEP Chapter 800)37 CFR § 1.144
Director Authority and Petitions (MPEP 1000)
Statutory Authority of USPTO Director (MPEP 1001)
37 CFR § 1.181
Statutory Authority of USPTO Director (MPEP 1001)37 CFR § 1.191
Examiner Sustained – Amendment Options37 CFR § 1.198
Statutory Authority of USPTO Director (MPEP 1001)37 CFR § 1.312
Issue Fees37 CFR § 1.313(a)
Issue Fees37 CFR § 1.313(b)
Restriction and Election Practice (MPEP Chapter 800)37 CFR § 1.477
Restriction and Election Practice (MPEP Chapter 800)37 CFR § 1.489
Restriction and Election Practice (MPEP Chapter 800)37 CFR § 1.499
Ex Parte Reexamination Request37 CFR § 1.515(c)
Conversion to Nonprovisional37 CFR § 1.53(b)
Conversion to Nonprovisional37 CFR § 1.53(c)
Ex Parte Reexamination37 CFR § 1.550(c)
37 CFR § 1.59
Sequence Listing Format37 CFR § 1.821
37 CFR § 1.91
37 CFR § 1.94
37 CFR § 41.40
PTAB JurisdictionMPEP § 1204.03
Appeals in Reexamination
Petition to Reinstate
MPEP § 1205.01
MPEP § 1207.03(b)
Examiner Sustained – Amendment OptionsMPEP § 1214.04
Issue FeesMPEP § 1308
Director Authority and Petitions (MPEP 1000)MPEP § 1480
Restriction and Election Practice (MPEP Chapter 800)MPEP § 1850
Restriction and Election Practice (MPEP Chapter 800)MPEP § 1875.02
Restriction and Election Practice (MPEP Chapter 800)MPEP § 1893.03(d)
Ex Parte Reexamination RequestMPEP § 2248
MPEP § 2410.02
MPEP § 608.03
MPEP § 608.03(a)
Statutory Authority of USPTO Director (MPEP 1001)MPEP § 608.04(c)
Statutory Authority of USPTO Director (MPEP 1001)MPEP § 704.14(c)
Statutory Authority of USPTO Director (MPEP 1001)MPEP § 706.07(c)
MPEP § 709
Shortened Statutory PeriodMPEP § 710.02(e)
Statutory Authority of USPTO Director (MPEP 1001)MPEP § 710.06
PTAB JurisdictionMPEP § 713.10
Statutory Authority of USPTO Director (MPEP 1001)MPEP § 714.01(e)
Statutory Authority of USPTO Director (MPEP 1001)MPEP § 714.16(d)
Statutory Authority of USPTO Director (MPEP 1001)MPEP § 714.19
Statutory Authority of USPTO Director (MPEP 1001)MPEP § 715.08
Statutory Authority of USPTO Director (MPEP 1001)MPEP § 716
MPEP § 724.02
Restriction Requirement (MPEP 802-803)MPEP § 803.03
Restriction and Election Practice (MPEP Chapter 800)MPEP § 818.01(c)

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