How is the timeliness of third party requester comments affected by service in inter partes reexamination?
The timeliness of third party requester comments in inter partes reexamination is directly affected by the service of the patent owner’s response. According to MPEP 2666.06: “35 U.S.C. 314(b)(2) mandates that, in order to be timely, a third party requester must file any written comments to the patent owner’s response (to an Office action on…
Read MoreWhat is the timeline for preparing and reviewing an examiner’s answer in inter partes reexamination?
The timeline for preparing and reviewing an examiner’s answer in an inter partes reexamination proceeding is outlined in MPEP 2677. The key steps and timeframes are as follows: The examiner’s answer is to be completed by the examiner within two weeks after the appeal conference. After completion, the examiner obtains the initials of the appeal…
Read MoreWhat is the timeframe for submitting a patent protest?
The timeframe for submitting a patent protest is subject to specific regulations. According to MPEP 1901.07(a), protests are subject to “the time frames set forth in 37 CFR 1.291(b), the caveat that the protest can be timely matched and considered prior to the date the notice of allowance under 37 CFR 1.311 is given or…
Read MoreWhat is the timeframe for notifying the USPTO of concurrent proceedings in reexamination?
The timeframe for notifying the USPTO of concurrent proceedings during reexamination is specified in 37 CFR 1.985. According to MPEP 2282: “37 CFR 1.985 requires a patent owner to notify the Office of any prior or concurrent proceedings in which the patent is or was involved.” While the specific timeframe is not mentioned in MPEP…
Read MoreWhat is the timeframe for filing a notice of appeal in ex parte reexamination?
The timeframe for filing a notice of appeal in ex parte reexamination is typically two months from the date of the last Office action. According to MPEP 2273, “The period for filing the notice of appeal is the period set for response in the last Office action which is normally 2 months.” However, the MPEP…
Read MoreWhat is the time period for correcting defective papers in ex parte reexamination?
When an examiner issues a notice of defective paper in ex parte reexamination, a time period is set for correction. According to MPEP 2266.02: “A time period from the mailing date of the notice will be set in the appropriate form (PTOL-475 or PTO-2311) for correction of the defect(s). Extension of time to correct the…
Read MoreWhat is the time period given to a patent owner to correct an omission in their response?
When a patent owner’s submission is not fully responsive due to an omission, the examiner typically provides a new time period for correction. According to MPEP 2666.30: “The patent owner should be notified of the deficiency and the correction needed, and given a new time period for response (usually one month) pursuant to 37 CFR…
Read MoreWhat is the significance of “at the time of the invention” in equivalence determinations?
What is the significance of “at the time of the invention” in equivalence determinations? The phrase “at the time of the invention” is crucial in equivalence determinations during patent examination. The MPEP emphasizes this temporal aspect: “[T]he examiner must … determine whether the assertedly equivalent element in the prior art or a reference would have…
Read MoreHow does the “time of invention” differ for AIA and pre-AIA applications in equivalence determinations?
The “time of invention” consideration differs for AIA (America Invents Act) and pre-AIA applications in equivalence determinations: For AIA applications: The relevant time is “before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.” For pre-AIA applications: The relevant time is “at the time of the invention.” MPEP 2183 notes: “For applications subject to the first…
Read MoreWhat are the time limits for suggesting an interference in a patent application?
The time limits for suggesting an interference in a patent application are specified in 37 CFR 41.202(c). According to MPEP 2304.02: “The suggestion of interference must be made within the time specified in 37 CFR 41.202(c).” The time limits are as follows: For an application not subject to pre-grant publication: prior to six months from…
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