What is the role of the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) in the appeal process?

The Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) plays a crucial role in managing the flow of documents and proceedings in the appeal process. MPEP 2676 outlines this role: “All appellant and respondent briefs will be processed by the Board and the reexamination proceeding then forwarded to the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU). The CRU will forward the reexamination…

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How is a decision by the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences (BPAI) processed in reexamination?

How is a decision by the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences (BPAI) processed in reexamination? When the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences (BPAI) issues a decision in a reexamination proceeding, the following steps are taken: The decision is scanned into the Image File Wrapper (IFW). The decision is forwarded to the Central Reexamination…

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How does the reissue review process differ between Technology Centers and the Central Reexamination Unit?

The reissue review process differs slightly between Technology Centers (TCs) and the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU): In Technology Centers: Training Quality Assurance Specialists (TQASs) monitor and review reissue applications. In the Central Reexamination Unit: Supervisory Patent Reexamination Specialists (SPRS) handle the monitoring and review. MPEP 1456 states: “All reissue applications assigned to the Technology Centers…

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What petitions are decided by the Director of the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU)?

The Director of the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) decides on several types of petitions related to ex parte and inter partes reexamination proceedings. According to MPEP 1002.02(c)(4), these include: Petitions for extension of time in ex parte and inter partes reexamination proceedings, except those related to court actions Petitions under 37 CFR 1.182 and 1.183…

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Can the Director of the CRU decide on petitions for extension of time related to court actions?

No, the Director of the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) does not have the authority to decide on petitions for extension of time related to court actions in reexamination proceedings. According to MPEP 1002.02(c)(4): “Petitions for extension of time in reexamination proceedings (except those related to litigation).” This indicates that while the CRU Director can decide…

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What types of petitions are decided in the Central Reexamination Unit?

The Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) decides several types of petitions related to ex parte and inter partes reexamination proceedings. These include: Petitions under 37 CFR 1.181(a)(1) from actions or requirements of examiners Petitions under 37 CFR 1.550(c) for time extensions in ex parte reexaminations Petitions under 37 CFR 1.956 for time extensions in inter partes…

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Who has the authority to decide petitions in the Central Reexamination Unit?

The authority to decide petitions in the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) is primarily delegated to the Director of the CRU. However, some decisions are further delegated to the CRU Supervisory Patent Reexamination Specialists (SPRS). According to the MPEP: “Where specifically indicated, the authority is further delegated to the CRU Supervisory Patent Reexamination Specialists (SPRS) as…

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What authority does the Director of the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) have in deciding petitions?

The Director of the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) has specific authority to decide petitions related to reexamination proceedings. According to MPEP 1002.02(c), the CRU Director can decide: Petitions for extension of time in reexamination proceedings pending in the CRU Petitions to accept late payment of maintenance fees with expiration of patent Requests for expedited examination…

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What are the guidelines for status inquiries in patent applications?

The MPEP provides specific guidelines for status inquiries in patent applications: Status inquiries are encouraged to be made via the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system at https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/checking-application-status/check-filing-status-your-patent-application. If PAIR is unavailable or the inquiry cannot be answered by PAIR, applicants can contact the Technology Center (TC) customer service center. The MPEP states: Applicants and…

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