MPEP § 2766 — Processing of Patent Term Extension Applications When Reissue Has Been Filed (Annotated Rules)

§2766 Processing of Patent Term Extension Applications When Reissue Has Been Filed

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 2766, 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.

Processing of Patent Term Extension Applications When Reissue Has Been Filed

This section addresses Processing of Patent Term Extension Applications When Reissue Has Been Filed. Primary authority: 35 U.S.C. 252, 35 U.S.C. 251, and 35 U.S.C. 156(d)(1). Contains: 4 requirements, 4 guidance statements, and 1 other statement.

Key Rules

Topic

Broadening Reissue (Two-Year Limit)

7 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2766-b2e3f44ab609847dcee195a1]
Reissue Application by Assignee of Entire Interest
Note:
An assignee of the entire interest may file and swear to a reissue application if it does not enlarge the claims or was filed by the assignee.

(c) APPLICABILITY OF THIS TITLE.— The provisions of this title relating to applications for patent shall be applicable to applications for reissue of a patent, except that application for reissue may be made and sworn to by the assignee of the entire interest if the application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent or the application for the original patent was filed by the assignee of the entire interest.

Jump to MPEP SourceBroadening Reissue (Two-Year Limit)Who May File ReissueReissue Claim Requirements
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2766-790043eaeb369861384ed990]
No Extension of Claim Scope After Two Years
Note:
A reissued patent may not enlarge the claim scope unless applied within two years from the original patent grant.

(d) REISSUE PATENT ENLARGING SCOPE OF CLAIMS.—No reissued patent shall be granted enlarging the scope of the claims of the original patent unless applied for within two years from the grant of the original patent.

Jump to MPEP SourceBroadening Reissue (Two-Year Limit)Reissue Patent PracticeOriginal Patent Requirement (Same Invention)
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2766-f9d0f9dc28bf7142f98dd1f6]
Reissued Patent Scope Must Not Be Enlarged After Two Years
Note:
A reissued patent cannot expand the claims of the original patent unless an application is filed within two years after the original patent's grant.

(d) REISSUE PATENT ENLARGING SCOPE OF CLAIMS.—No reissued patent shall be granted enlarging the scope of the claims of the original patent unless applied for within two years from the grant of the original patent.

Jump to MPEP SourceBroadening Reissue (Two-Year Limit)Reissue Claim RequirementsReissue Patent Practice
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2766-66f9605347dd76db7b323978]
Assignee Can Swear to Reissue If No Scope Enlargement
Note:
The assignee of the entire interest can swear to a reissue application if it does not seek to enlarge the scope of the original patent claims.

The provisions of this title relating to applications for patent shall be applicable to applications for reissue of a patent, except that application for reissue may be made and sworn to by the assignee of the entire interest if the application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent.

Jump to MPEP SourceBroadening Reissue (Two-Year Limit)Who May File ReissueReissue Claim Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2766-c1ba59d024219f56688953a3]
No Enlargement of Original Patent Claims After Two Years
Note:
A reissued patent cannot expand the original claims unless applied within two years from its grant.

No reissued patent shall be granted enlarging the scope of the claims of the original patent unless applied for within two years from the grant of the original patent.

Jump to MPEP SourceBroadening Reissue (Two-Year Limit)Reissue Claim RequirementsReissue Patent Practice
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-2766-1cda9b169e0a12121421939d]
Petition Must Include Updated Claim Information
Note:
The petition for transferring patent term extension documents to a reissue patent must include any updated claim information that has changed in light of the new claims.

When a patent is reissued, it is necessary to transfer the documents and correspondence regarding the application for patent term extension from the original patent into the reissue patent. A whole new application for patent term extension should not be filed since any such filing would be outside the 60-day time frame within which an application must be filed following product approval as delineated in 35 U.S.C. 156(d)(1). Instead, a petition under 37 CFR 1.182 should be filed in the original patent informing the Office of the reissue patent and requesting that the application for term extension and all related documents be transferred to the reissue patent file. The petition should include any updated information that has changed in light of the scope of the patent claims contained in the reissued patent. The petition will be decided by the Office of Patent Legal Administration.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.182Broadening Reissue (Two-Year Limit)Reissue Patent TermReissue Claim Requirements
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2766-3423822435a366634ca6b3b5]
Petition for Transferring Term Extension to Reissue Patent
Note:
A petition must be filed with the Office of Patent Legal Administration to transfer an application for patent term extension from the original patent to a reissued patent.

When a patent is reissued, it is necessary to transfer the documents and correspondence regarding the application for patent term extension from the original patent into the reissue patent. A whole new application for patent term extension should not be filed since any such filing would be outside the 60-day time frame within which an application must be filed following product approval as delineated in 35 U.S.C. 156(d)(1). Instead, a petition under 37 CFR 1.182 should be filed in the original patent informing the Office of the reissue patent and requesting that the application for term extension and all related documents be transferred to the reissue patent file. The petition should include any updated information that has changed in light of the scope of the patent claims contained in the reissued patent. The petition will be decided by the Office of Patent Legal Administration.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.182Broadening Reissue (Two-Year Limit)Reissue Patent TermReissue Claim Requirements
Topic

Original Patent Requirement (Same Invention)

4 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2766-796e545a3e798a7ed9b5ce95]
Requirement for Reissuing Valid Invention
Note:
The Director must reissue a patent when it is deemed invalid due to errors in the specification, drawing, or claims. The reissued patent covers the unexpired term of the original and must be based on a new application.

(a) IN GENERAL.—Whenever any patent is, through error, deemed wholly or partly inoperative or invalid, by reason of a defective specification or drawing, or by reason of the patentee claiming more or less than he had a right to claim in the patent, the Director shall, on the surrender of such patent and the payment of the fee required by law, reissue the patent for the invention disclosed in the original patent, and in accordance with a new and amended application, for the unexpired part of the term of the original patent. No new matter shall be introduced into the application for reissue.

Jump to MPEP SourceOriginal Patent Requirement (Same Invention)Defective Specification or DrawingMaintenance Fee Amounts
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2766-bbe853903d0573dfd485e37b]
Reissue Application by Assignee Without Scope Expansion
Note:
An assignee can file a reissue application without enlarging the original patent's claim scope.

(c) APPLICABILITY OF THIS TITLE.— The provisions of this title relating to applications for patent shall be applicable to applications for reissue of a patent, except that application for reissue may be made and sworn to by the assignee of the entire interest if the application does not seek to enlarge the scope of the claims of the original patent or the application for the original patent was filed by the assignee of the entire interest.

Jump to MPEP SourceOriginal Patent Requirement (Same Invention)Reissue Patent PracticeBroadening Reissue (Two-Year Limit)
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2766-f19631ed4d3149fa5c96fa84]
Reissue Patent for Inoperative or Invalid Claims
Note:
The Director shall reissue a patent when it is deemed wholly or partly inoperative or invalid due to errors in the specification, drawings, or claims. This must be done upon surrender of the original patent and payment of required fees.

Whenever any patent is, through error without any deceptive intention, deemed wholly or partly inoperative or invalid, by reason of a defective specification or drawing, or by reason of the patentee claiming more or less than he had a right to claim in the patent, the Director shall, on the surrender of such patent and the payment of the fee required by law, reissue the patent for the invention disclosed in the original patent, and in accordance with a new and amended application, for the unexpired part of the term of the original patent. No new matter shall be introduced into the application for reissue.

Jump to MPEP SourceOriginal Patent Requirement (Same Invention)Defective Specification or DrawingMaintenance Fee Amounts
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2766-32f80cd7f6f76dd173831883]
Patent Owner May File for Reissue During Original Term
Note:
A patent owner can file for reissuing the original patent while it is still within its term.

In accordance with 35 U.S.C. 251, a patent owner, during the unexpired part of the term of the original patent, may file for reissue of the patent for the invention disclosed in the original patent. See MPEP § 1401.

Jump to MPEP SourceOriginal Patent Requirement (Same Invention)Who May File ReissueReissue Claim Requirements
Topic

AIA Effective Dates

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2766-6b79fac3b4652dafad19c394]
Patent Term Extension Rules After September 16, 2012
Note:
This rule outlines the requirements for patent term extension applications filed after September 16, 2012, under AIA effective dates.

[Editor Note: Applicable to any patent application filed on or after September 16, 2012. See pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 251 for the law otherwise applicable.]

35 U.S.C.AIA Effective DatesAIA Overview and Effective DatesAIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2766-4790ed4b3287d1c88b1f8f3f]
Reissue Not Applicable After September 16, 2012
Note:
This rule states that the reissue process does not apply to patent applications filed after September 16, 2012.

[Editor Note: Not applicable to any patent application filed on or after September 16, 2012. See 35 U.S.C. 251 for the law otherwise applicable.]

35 U.S.C.AIA Effective DatesAIA Overview and Effective DatesAIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Topic

Reissue Patent Practice

2 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2766-5e02165a97309c0dae1309bf]
No New Matter in Reissue Application
Note:
The reissue application must not introduce new matter, ensuring the patent covers only what was originally disclosed.

(a) IN GENERAL.—Whenever any patent is, through error, deemed wholly or partly inoperative or invalid, by reason of a defective specification or drawing, or by reason of the patentee claiming more or less than he had a right to claim in the patent, the Director shall, on the surrender of such patent and the payment of the fee required by law, reissue the patent for the invention disclosed in the original patent, and in accordance with a new and amended application, for the unexpired part of the term of the original patent. No new matter shall be introduced into the application for reissue.

Jump to MPEP SourceReissue Patent PracticeOriginal Patent Requirement (Same Invention)Grounds for Reissue
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2766-56d5d626c0e52fd06a296c5e]
No New Matter in Reissue Application
Note:
The reissue application must not introduce new matter, ensuring the patent term is adjusted without adding unclaimed invention details.

Whenever any patent is, through error without any deceptive intention, deemed wholly or partly inoperative or invalid, by reason of a defective specification or drawing, or by reason of the patentee claiming more or less than he had a right to claim in the patent, the Director shall, on the surrender of such patent and the payment of the fee required by law, reissue the patent for the invention disclosed in the original patent, and in accordance with a new and amended application, for the unexpired part of the term of the original patent. No new matter shall be introduced into the application for reissue.

Jump to MPEP SourceReissue Patent PracticeOriginal Patent Requirement (Same Invention)Grounds for Reissue
Topic

Maintenance Fee Amounts

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2766-e9ef86ce1c4143df41cecc98]
Director May Issue Several Reissued Patents for Distinct Parts of Invention Upon Applicant Demand and Fee Payment
Note:
The Director can issue multiple reissued patents for different parts of the invention if the applicant requests and pays the required fee.

(b) MULTIPLE REISSUED PATENTS.— The Director may issue several reissued patents for distinct and separate parts of the thing patented, upon demand of the applicant, and upon payment of the required fee for a reissue for each of such reissued patents.

Jump to MPEP SourceMaintenance Fee AmountsMaintenance Fee PaymentGrounds for Reissue
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2766-ab116c26f8d672ed9153b5a2]
Multiple Reissued Patents May Be Issued for Distinct Parts of Invention Upon Payment
Note:
The Director may issue multiple reissued patents for separate parts of the invention upon applicant's request and payment of required fees.

(b) MULTIPLE REISSUED PATENTS.— The Director may issue several reissued patents for distinct and separate parts of the thing patented, upon demand of the applicant, and upon payment of the required fee for a reissue for each of such reissued patents.

Jump to MPEP SourceMaintenance Fee AmountsMaintenance Fee PaymentFee Requirements
Topic

Patent Term Extension

2 rules
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-2766-6f28a3c28722448112a2e1c3]
Notice of Reissue Filing Required During Term Extension Processing
Note:
Applicant must notify the Office of reissue filings and may request a stay of action on term extension applications if necessary.

When the filing of a reissue occurs during processing of a patent term extension application, the Office should receive notice of the filing of the reissue (see MPEP § 2762), and if necessary, applicant should request stay of action on the application for term extension. See MPEP § 2765 regarding a petition to request stay of action in a pending patent term extension application.

Jump to MPEP SourcePatent Term ExtensionPatent Term BasicsDirector Authority and Petitions (MPEP 1000)
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-2766-e6315dff1022243d8670f654]
Patent Term Extension When Reissue Filed
Note:
When a patent for which an extension was sought is reissued during the processing of the application, the original patent no longer exists by law.

Should the patent for which extension has been sought be reissued during the processing of the application for patent term extension, the original patent, by operation of law, no longer exists.

Jump to MPEP SourcePatent Term ExtensionPatent Term BasicsReissue Claim Requirements
Topic

Reissue Patent Term

2 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2766-8155d5b7f1007e6f46448f81]
Documents and Correspondence for Reissued Patents Must Be Transferred
Note:
When a patent is reissued, all documents and correspondence related to the application for patent term extension must be transferred from the original patent into the reissue patent. Filing a new application for term extension would violate the 60-day time frame after product approval.

When a patent is reissued, it is necessary to transfer the documents and correspondence regarding the application for patent term extension from the original patent into the reissue patent. A whole new application for patent term extension should not be filed since any such filing would be outside the 60-day time frame within which an application must be filed following product approval as delineated in 35 U.S.C. 156(d)(1). Instead, a petition under 37 CFR 1.182 should be filed in the original patent informing the Office of the reissue patent and requesting that the application for term extension and all related documents be transferred to the reissue patent file. The petition should include any updated information that has changed in light of the scope of the patent claims contained in the reissued patent. The petition will be decided by the Office of Patent Legal Administration.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.182Reissue Patent TermReissue Claim RequirementsReissue Patent Issuance
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-2766-c1dae2ac19dd65ab4077a82c]
Petition for Term Extension to Original Patent After Reissue
Note:
A petition under 37 CFR 1.182 must be filed in the original patent to inform the Office of the reissue and request transfer of term extension documents.

When a patent is reissued, it is necessary to transfer the documents and correspondence regarding the application for patent term extension from the original patent into the reissue patent. A whole new application for patent term extension should not be filed since any such filing would be outside the 60-day time frame within which an application must be filed following product approval as delineated in 35 U.S.C. 156(d)(1). Instead, a petition under 37 CFR 1.182 should be filed in the original patent informing the Office of the reissue patent and requesting that the application for term extension and all related documents be transferred to the reissue patent file. The petition should include any updated information that has changed in light of the scope of the patent claims contained in the reissued patent. The petition will be decided by the Office of Patent Legal Administration.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.182Reissue Patent TermReissue Claim RequirementsReissue Patent Issuance
Topic

AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2766-c3afe6d878eb2af510fe9636]
AIA Practice for Patent Term Extension Applications When Reissue Filed
Note:
This rule outlines the AIA practice for processing patent term extension applications when a reissue has been filed.

[Editor Note: Applicable to any patent application filed on or after September 16, 2012. See pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 251 for the law otherwise applicable.]

35 U.S.C.AIA vs Pre-AIA PracticeAIA Effective DatesAIA Overview and Effective Dates
Topic

Assignee as Applicant Signature

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2766-6b8d6ec719aff0415b247374]
Multiple Reissues for Distinct Parts of Invention
Note:
The Director may issue multiple reissued patents for different parts of the invention upon applicant's request and payment of fees.

The Director may issue several reissued patents for distinct and separate parts of the thing patented, upon demand of the applicant, and upon payment of the required fee for a reissue for each of such reissued patents.

Jump to MPEP SourceAssignee as Applicant SignatureApplicant and Assignee Filing Under AIAMaintenance Fee Amounts
Topic

Recapture Doctrine

1 rules
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-2766-c8b000a37972b017025144d7]
Reissued Claims Continuously Effective From Original
Note:
The reissued patent claims are considered continuously effective from the original patent's date, even if substantially identical.

The surrender of the original patent shall take effect upon the issue of the reissued patent, and every reissued patent shall have the same effect and operation in law, on the trial of actions for causes thereafter arising, as if the same had been originally granted in such amended form, but in so far as the claims of the original and reissued patents are substantially identical, such surrender shall not affect any action then pending nor abate any cause of action then existing, and the reissued patent, to the extent that its claims are substantially identical with the original patent, shall constitute a continuation thereof and have effect continuously from the date of the original patent.

Jump to MPEP SourceRecapture DoctrineReissue Claim RequirementsReissue Patent Practice
Topic

Intervening Rights

1 rules
StatutoryProhibitedAlways
[mpep-2766-1ed90895cdd84089a2eb6e8b]
Intervening Rights for Reissued Patents
Note:
A reissued patent does not affect the rights of those who made, used, or imported patented items before its grant, unless such use infringes a valid claim. The court may permit continued use under equitable terms.

A reissued patent shall not abridge or affect the right of any person or that person’s successors in business who, prior to the grant of a reissue, made, purchased, offered to sell, or used within the United States, or imported into the United States, anything patented by the reissued patent, to continue the use of, to offer to sell, or to sell to others to be used, offered for sale, or sold, the specific thing so made, purchased, offered for sale, used, or imported unless the making, using, offering for sale, or selling of such thing infringes a valid claim of the reissued patent which was in the original patent. The court before which such matter is in question may provide for the continued manufacture, use, offer for sale, or sale of the thing made, purchased, offered for sale, used, or imported as specified, or for the manufacture, use, offer for sale, or sale in the United States of which substantial preparation was made before the grant of the reissue, and the court may also provide for the continued practice of any process patented by the reissue that is practiced, or for the practice of which substantial preparation was made, before the grant of the reissue, to the extent and under such terms as the court deems equitable for the protection of investments made or business commenced before the grant of the reissue.

Jump to MPEP SourceIntervening RightsReissue Patent PracticeReissue Claim Requirements

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Broadening Reissue (Two-Year Limit)
Reissue Patent Term
35 U.S.C. § 156(d)(1)
AIA Effective Dates
AIA vs Pre-AIA Practice
Original Patent Requirement (Same Invention)
35 U.S.C. § 251
Broadening Reissue (Two-Year Limit)
Reissue Patent Term
37 CFR § 1.182
Original Patent Requirement (Same Invention)MPEP § 1401
Patent Term ExtensionMPEP § 2762
Patent Term ExtensionMPEP § 2765

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