MPEP § 1442.04 — Litigation Involving Patent (Annotated Rules)

§1442.04 Litigation Involving Patent

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 1442.04, 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.

Litigation Involving Patent

This section addresses Litigation Involving Patent. Primary authority: 37 CFR 1.178(b) and 37 CFR 1.178. Contains: 1 requirement, 11 guidance statements, 1 permission, and 1 other statement.

Key Rules

Topic

Disclosure of Litigation

13 rules
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1442-04-65856c588d95bb1861d9c194]
Disclosure of Litigation Involving Patent During Reissue
Note:
Applicants must inform the Office about any litigation involving the patent during reissue application, whether filed before or after filing.

Where the patent for which reissue is being sought is, or has been, involved in litigation, the applicant should bring the existence of such litigation to the attention of the Office. 37 CFR 1.178(b). This should be done at the time of, or shortly after, the applicant files the application, either in the reissue oath or declaration, or in a separate paper, preferably accompanying the application as filed. Litigation begun after filing of the reissue application also should be promptly brought to the attention of the Office. Additional proceedings that should be called to the attention of the Office include interferences and any pending trial before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, such as derivation, post-grant review, inter partes review, and covered business method proceedings.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178(b)Disclosure of LitigationPTAB JurisdictionReissue and Litigation
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1442-04-e0226d285afe6be4f703522e]
Promptly Inform Office of Post-Application Litigation
Note:
Notify the Office promptly about any litigation initiated after filing a reissue application.

Where the patent for which reissue is being sought is, or has been, involved in litigation, the applicant should bring the existence of such litigation to the attention of the Office. 37 CFR 1.178(b). This should be done at the time of, or shortly after, the applicant files the application, either in the reissue oath or declaration, or in a separate paper, preferably accompanying the application as filed. Litigation begun after filing of the reissue application also should be promptly brought to the attention of the Office. Additional proceedings that should be called to the attention of the Office include interferences and any pending trial before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, such as derivation, post-grant review, inter partes review, and covered business method proceedings.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178(b)Disclosure of LitigationReissue and LitigationReissue Patent Practice
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1442-04-e6294b75e0f9e00c4d0d2999]
Disclosure of Litigation Involving Patent
Note:
Applicants must submit relevant litigation documents and update the status in reissue applications to assist examination.

Litigation encompasses any papers filed in the court or issued by the court. This may include, for example, motions, pleadings, and court decisions, as well as the results of such proceedings. When applicant notifies the Office of the existence of the litigation, enough information should be submitted so that the Office can reasonably evaluate the need for asking for further materials in the litigation. Note that the existence of supporting materials which may substantiate allegations of invalidity should, at least, be fully described, and preferably submitted. The Office is not interested in receiving voluminous litigation materials which are not relevant to the Office’s consideration of the reissue application. The status of the litigation should be updated in the reissue application as soon as significant events happen in the litigation. When a reissue application is filed, the examiner should determine whether the original patent has been adjudicated by a court. The decision(s) of the court, and also other papers in the suit, may provide information essential to the examination of the reissue. Examiners should inform the applicant of the duty to supply information as to litigation involving the patent. Form paragraph 14.11.01 may be used for this purpose. See MPEP § 1418.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178Disclosure of LitigationReissue and LitigationStatutory Authority for Examination
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1442-04-7a4008e740ee7bf7fd861921]
Disclosure of Litigation Involving Patent
Note:
Applicants must provide sufficient information about litigation to allow the Office to evaluate its relevance to a reissue application.

Litigation encompasses any papers filed in the court or issued by the court. This may include, for example, motions, pleadings, and court decisions, as well as the results of such proceedings. When applicant notifies the Office of the existence of the litigation, enough information should be submitted so that the Office can reasonably evaluate the need for asking for further materials in the litigation. Note that the existence of supporting materials which may substantiate allegations of invalidity should, at least, be fully described, and preferably submitted. The Office is not interested in receiving voluminous litigation materials which are not relevant to the Office’s consideration of the reissue application. The status of the litigation should be updated in the reissue application as soon as significant events happen in the litigation. When a reissue application is filed, the examiner should determine whether the original patent has been adjudicated by a court. The decision(s) of the court, and also other papers in the suit, may provide information essential to the examination of the reissue. Examiners should inform the applicant of the duty to supply information as to litigation involving the patent. Form paragraph 14.11.01 may be used for this purpose. See MPEP § 1418.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178Disclosure of LitigationReissue and LitigationStatutory Authority for Examination
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1442-04-7edf0949f27ec6ab48c87c13]
Disclosure of Supporting Materials for Invalidity Allegations
Note:
Applicants must fully describe and preferably submit supporting materials that may substantiate invalidity allegations when notifying the Office of litigation involving a patent.

Litigation encompasses any papers filed in the court or issued by the court. This may include, for example, motions, pleadings, and court decisions, as well as the results of such proceedings. When applicant notifies the Office of the existence of the litigation, enough information should be submitted so that the Office can reasonably evaluate the need for asking for further materials in the litigation. Note that the existence of supporting materials which may substantiate allegations of invalidity should, at least, be fully described, and preferably submitted. The Office is not interested in receiving voluminous litigation materials which are not relevant to the Office’s consideration of the reissue application. The status of the litigation should be updated in the reissue application as soon as significant events happen in the litigation. When a reissue application is filed, the examiner should determine whether the original patent has been adjudicated by a court. The decision(s) of the court, and also other papers in the suit, may provide information essential to the examination of the reissue. Examiners should inform the applicant of the duty to supply information as to litigation involving the patent. Form paragraph 14.11.01 may be used for this purpose. See MPEP § 1418.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178Disclosure of LitigationStatutory Authority for ExaminationReissue and Litigation
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1442-04-c9993296f406757d05962907]
Reissue Application Not Interested In Irrelevant Litigation Documents
Note:
The Office requires that only relevant litigation materials be submitted for reissue applications, avoiding voluminous and non-relevant documents.

Litigation encompasses any papers filed in the court or issued by the court. This may include, for example, motions, pleadings, and court decisions, as well as the results of such proceedings. When applicant notifies the Office of the existence of the litigation, enough information should be submitted so that the Office can reasonably evaluate the need for asking for further materials in the litigation. Note that the existence of supporting materials which may substantiate allegations of invalidity should, at least, be fully described, and preferably submitted. The Office is not interested in receiving voluminous litigation materials which are not relevant to the Office’s consideration of the reissue application. The status of the litigation should be updated in the reissue application as soon as significant events happen in the litigation. When a reissue application is filed, the examiner should determine whether the original patent has been adjudicated by a court. The decision(s) of the court, and also other papers in the suit, may provide information essential to the examination of the reissue. Examiners should inform the applicant of the duty to supply information as to litigation involving the patent. Form paragraph 14.11.01 may be used for this purpose. See MPEP § 1418.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178Disclosure of LitigationReissue and LitigationReissue Patent Practice
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1442-04-ec20b9606aa4b8222d04e0ec]
Litigation Status Must Be Updated In Reissue Application
Note:
Examiners require that the status of any relevant litigation be updated in a reissue application whenever significant events occur.

Litigation encompasses any papers filed in the court or issued by the court. This may include, for example, motions, pleadings, and court decisions, as well as the results of such proceedings. When applicant notifies the Office of the existence of the litigation, enough information should be submitted so that the Office can reasonably evaluate the need for asking for further materials in the litigation. Note that the existence of supporting materials which may substantiate allegations of invalidity should, at least, be fully described, and preferably submitted. The Office is not interested in receiving voluminous litigation materials which are not relevant to the Office’s consideration of the reissue application. The status of the litigation should be updated in the reissue application as soon as significant events happen in the litigation. When a reissue application is filed, the examiner should determine whether the original patent has been adjudicated by a court. The decision(s) of the court, and also other papers in the suit, may provide information essential to the examination of the reissue. Examiners should inform the applicant of the duty to supply information as to litigation involving the patent. Form paragraph 14.11.01 may be used for this purpose. See MPEP § 1418.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178Disclosure of LitigationReissue and LitigationReissue Patent Practice
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1442-04-5bbc0d2dfb2a0b0b1d2757f8]
Examiners Must Inform Applicants of Litigation Duty
Note:
Examiners are required to notify applicants about their obligation to provide information regarding litigation involving the patent.

Litigation encompasses any papers filed in the court or issued by the court. This may include, for example, motions, pleadings, and court decisions, as well as the results of such proceedings. When applicant notifies the Office of the existence of the litigation, enough information should be submitted so that the Office can reasonably evaluate the need for asking for further materials in the litigation. Note that the existence of supporting materials which may substantiate allegations of invalidity should, at least, be fully described, and preferably submitted. The Office is not interested in receiving voluminous litigation materials which are not relevant to the Office’s consideration of the reissue application. The status of the litigation should be updated in the reissue application as soon as significant events happen in the litigation. When a reissue application is filed, the examiner should determine whether the original patent has been adjudicated by a court. The decision(s) of the court, and also other papers in the suit, may provide information essential to the examination of the reissue. Examiners should inform the applicant of the duty to supply information as to litigation involving the patent. Form paragraph 14.11.01 may be used for this purpose. See MPEP § 1418.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178Disclosure of LitigationReissue and LitigationStatutory Authority for Examination
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1442-04-4f87777b8c94e632676cf744]
Disclosure of Litigation Involving Patent
Note:
Applicants must disclose litigation involving the patent, providing sufficient information for the Office to evaluate and request additional materials if necessary.

Litigation encompasses any papers filed in the court or issued by the court. This may include, for example, motions, pleadings, and court decisions, as well as the results of such proceedings. When applicant notifies the Office of the existence of the litigation, enough information should be submitted so that the Office can reasonably evaluate the need for asking for further materials in the litigation. Note that the existence of supporting materials which may substantiate allegations of invalidity should, at least, be fully described, and preferably submitted. The Office is not interested in receiving voluminous litigation materials which are not relevant to the Office’s consideration of the reissue application. The status of the litigation should be updated in the reissue application as soon as significant events happen in the litigation. When a reissue application is filed, the examiner should determine whether the original patent has been adjudicated by a court. The decision(s) of the court, and also other papers in the suit, may provide information essential to the examination of the reissue. Examiners should inform the applicant of the duty to supply information as to litigation involving the patent. Form paragraph 14.11.01 may be used for this purpose. See MPEP § 1418.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178Disclosure of LitigationStatutory Authority for ExaminationReissue and Litigation
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1442-04-65ccdbbaa1dd834c3ed1e8df]
Patent Litigation Search Required
Note:
An examiner must request a litigation search to determine if the patent has been or is involved in any legal disputes.

A litigation search should be requested by the examiner to determine whether the patent has been, or is, involved in litigation. For IFW reissue application files, the "Search Notes" box on the "Search Notes" form is annotated to indicate that the review was conducted, and the "Search Notes" form is then scanned into the reissue application file history.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178Disclosure of LitigationReissue and LitigationReissue Patent Practice
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1442-04-09b794fd3e15a26ef345c620]
Library for Litigation Search Guidance
Note:
Additional guidance on conducting litigation searches can be obtained from the Office of the Solicitor's library.

Additional information or guidance as to making a litigation search may be obtained from the library of the Office of the Solicitor. Where papers are not otherwise conveniently obtainable, the applicant may be requested to supply copies of papers and records in suits, or the Office of the Solicitor may be requested to obtain them from the court. The information thus obtained should be carefully considered for its bearing on the proposed claims of the reissue, particularly when the reissue application was filed in view of the holding of a court.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178Disclosure of LitigationReissue and LitigationReissue Patent Practice
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1442-04-482d51e420b792e16493e082]
Examiner Must Inquire About Litigation During Reissue Examination
Note:
If the examiner becomes aware of litigation involving a patent during reissue examination and applicant has not disclosed it, the examiner must inquire about it in the next Office action.

If the examiner becomes aware of litigation involving the patent sought to be reissued during examination of the reissue application, and applicant has not made the details regarding that litigation of record in the reissue application, the examiner, in the next Office action, should inquire regarding the same. Form paragraph 14.06 may be used for such an inquiry. See MPEP § 1442.01.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178Disclosure of LitigationStatutory Authority for ExaminationExaminer's Action (37 CFR 1.104)
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1442-04-ede1edd37ef1b6b5da335e14]
Examiner May Inquire About Litigation Details for Reissue Patent
Note:
If litigation details are relevant to the patentability of a reissue application, the examiner may ask additional questions as needed.

If the additional details of the litigation appear to be material to patentability of the reissue application, the examiner may make such additional inquiries as necessary and appropriate.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178Disclosure of LitigationReissue and LitigationReissue Patent Practice
Topic

Reissue Patent Practice

3 rules
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1442-04-6fd353f5dadcddfd8a120859]
Examiner Must Determine Court Adjudication on Reissue Application Filing
Note:
When a reissue application is filed, the examiner must determine if the original patent has been adjudicated by a court and consider any relevant court decisions.

Litigation encompasses any papers filed in the court or issued by the court. This may include, for example, motions, pleadings, and court decisions, as well as the results of such proceedings. When applicant notifies the Office of the existence of the litigation, enough information should be submitted so that the Office can reasonably evaluate the need for asking for further materials in the litigation. Note that the existence of supporting materials which may substantiate allegations of invalidity should, at least, be fully described, and preferably submitted. The Office is not interested in receiving voluminous litigation materials which are not relevant to the Office’s consideration of the reissue application. The status of the litigation should be updated in the reissue application as soon as significant events happen in the litigation. When a reissue application is filed, the examiner should determine whether the original patent has been adjudicated by a court. The decision(s) of the court, and also other papers in the suit, may provide information essential to the examination of the reissue. Examiners should inform the applicant of the duty to supply information as to litigation involving the patent. Form paragraph 14.11.01 may be used for this purpose. See MPEP § 1418.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178Reissue Patent PracticeDisclosure of LitigationStatutory Authority for Examination
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1442-04-da497cf71557b250c93ea304]
Applicant May Supply Copies of Papers Not Otherwise Obtainable
Note:
The applicant may be required to provide copies of papers and records in suits when they are not conveniently obtainable from the court.

Additional information or guidance as to making a litigation search may be obtained from the library of the Office of the Solicitor. Where papers are not otherwise conveniently obtainable, the applicant may be requested to supply copies of papers and records in suits, or the Office of the Solicitor may be requested to obtain them from the court. The information thus obtained should be carefully considered for its bearing on the proposed claims of the reissue, particularly when the reissue application was filed in view of the holding of a court.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178Reissue Patent PracticeDisclosure of LitigationReissue and Litigation
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1442-04-0ad7ecef727cce9a4868e1e9]
Consider Court Holding When Filing Reissue
Note:
When filing a reissue application, carefully consider information related to court holdings for its impact on the proposed claims.

Additional information or guidance as to making a litigation search may be obtained from the library of the Office of the Solicitor. Where papers are not otherwise conveniently obtainable, the applicant may be requested to supply copies of papers and records in suits, or the Office of the Solicitor may be requested to obtain them from the court. The information thus obtained should be carefully considered for its bearing on the proposed claims of the reissue, particularly when the reissue application was filed in view of the holding of a court.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178Reissue Patent PracticeDisclosure of LitigationReissue and Litigation
Topic

Reissue Claim Requirements

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1442-04-9649df539f7ea643643ead6a]
Patent Litigation Notices Do Not Indicate Court Opinion
Note:
The notices filed for patent infringement suits do not show if a court opinion was issued or if the decision was published.

Additionally, the patented file will contain notices of the filing and termination of infringement suits on the patent. Such notices are required by law to be filed by the clerks of the federal district courts. These notices do not indicate if there was an opinion by the court, nor whether a decision was published. Shepard’s Federal Citations and the cumulative digests of the United States Patents Quarterly, contain tables of patent numbers giving the citation of published decisions concerning the patent.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178Reissue Claim RequirementsReissue Patent PracticeReissue and Litigation
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1442-04-d5a5cf8ea2618e36570bf396]
Patent Citations Must Be Listed
Note:
The patented file must include notices of infringement suits and citations from Shepard’s Federal Citations and the United States Patents Quarterly.

Additionally, the patented file will contain notices of the filing and termination of infringement suits on the patent. Such notices are required by law to be filed by the clerks of the federal district courts. These notices do not indicate if there was an opinion by the court, nor whether a decision was published. Shepard’s Federal Citations and the cumulative digests of the United States Patents Quarterly, contain tables of patent numbers giving the citation of published decisions concerning the patent.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178Reissue Claim RequirementsReissue Patent PracticeReissue and Litigation
Topic

PTAB Jurisdiction

1 rules
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1442-04-dd42b62d405046ee99af12a3]
PTAB Proceedings Must Be Notified
Note:
Applicants must inform the Office of any interferences, derivation, post-grant review, inter partes review, or covered business method proceedings involving their patent during reissue application.

Where the patent for which reissue is being sought is, or has been, involved in litigation, the applicant should bring the existence of such litigation to the attention of the Office. 37 CFR 1.178(b). This should be done at the time of, or shortly after, the applicant files the application, either in the reissue oath or declaration, or in a separate paper, preferably accompanying the application as filed. Litigation begun after filing of the reissue application also should be promptly brought to the attention of the Office. Additional proceedings that should be called to the attention of the Office include interferences and any pending trial before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, such as derivation, post-grant review, inter partes review, and covered business method proceedings.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178(b)PTAB JurisdictionPTAB Contested Case ProceduresReissue Oath/Declaration Content
Topic

Statutory Authority for Examination

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1442-04-cf929293ca4ed6ace3137efe]
Court Decisions and Litigation Papers for Reissue Examination
Note:
Examiners must consider court decisions and other litigation papers when examining reissue applications.

Litigation encompasses any papers filed in the court or issued by the court. This may include, for example, motions, pleadings, and court decisions, as well as the results of such proceedings. When applicant notifies the Office of the existence of the litigation, enough information should be submitted so that the Office can reasonably evaluate the need for asking for further materials in the litigation. Note that the existence of supporting materials which may substantiate allegations of invalidity should, at least, be fully described, and preferably submitted. The Office is not interested in receiving voluminous litigation materials which are not relevant to the Office’s consideration of the reissue application. The status of the litigation should be updated in the reissue application as soon as significant events happen in the litigation. When a reissue application is filed, the examiner should determine whether the original patent has been adjudicated by a court. The decision(s) of the court, and also other papers in the suit, may provide information essential to the examination of the reissue. Examiners should inform the applicant of the duty to supply information as to litigation involving the patent. Form paragraph 14.11.01 may be used for this purpose. See MPEP § 1418.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178Statutory Authority for ExaminationExamination ProceduresReissue Patent Practice
Topic

Reissue and Litigation

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1442-04-c5e2831fa9c57fda455f476a]
Notices of Filing and Termination of Infringement Suits Required
Note:
Patent files must include notices for the filing and termination of infringement suits, which are required to be filed by federal district court clerks.

Additionally, the patented file will contain notices of the filing and termination of infringement suits on the patent. Such notices are required by law to be filed by the clerks of the federal district courts. These notices do not indicate if there was an opinion by the court, nor whether a decision was published. Shepard’s Federal Citations and the cumulative digests of the United States Patents Quarterly, contain tables of patent numbers giving the citation of published decisions concerning the patent.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178Reissue and LitigationReissue Claim RequirementsReissue Patent Practice
Topic

Litigation File History

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1442-04-d8891b90de4968cd1bdef41a]
Search Notes Must Be Annotated for IFW Reissue Applications
Note:
For IFW reissue application files, the 'Search Notes' box must be annotated to indicate that a review was conducted and then scanned into the file history.

A litigation search should be requested by the examiner to determine whether the patent has been, or is, involved in litigation. For IFW reissue application files, the "Search Notes" box on the "Search Notes" form is annotated to indicate that the review was conducted, and the "Search Notes" form is then scanned into the reissue application file history.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178Litigation File HistoryReissue Patent PracticeDisclosure of Litigation
Topic

Form Paragraph Usage

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1442-04-5c6f0af1ff69adcad469e0e8]
Inquiry for Litigation Details Using Form Paragraph 14.06
Note:
Examiner must use Form paragraph 14.06 to inquire about litigation involving the patent during reissue examination if applicant has not disclosed it.

If the examiner becomes aware of litigation involving the patent sought to be reissued during examination of the reissue application, and applicant has not made the details regarding that litigation of record in the reissue application, the examiner, in the next Office action, should inquire regarding the same. Form paragraph 14.06 may be used for such an inquiry. See MPEP § 1442.01.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.178Form Paragraph UsageForm ParagraphsReissue Patent Practice

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Disclosure of Litigation
PTAB Jurisdiction
37 CFR § 1.178(b)
Disclosure of Litigation
Reissue Patent Practice
Statutory Authority for Examination
MPEP § 1418
Disclosure of Litigation
Form Paragraph Usage
MPEP § 1442.01
Disclosure of Litigation
Form Paragraph Usage
Form Paragraph § 14.06
Disclosure of Litigation
Reissue Patent Practice
Statutory Authority for Examination
Form Paragraph § 14.11.01

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