What is the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)?
The Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) is the current name for the judicial body within the USPTO that handles patent appeals. According to MPEP 1201: “Throughout this chapter, ‘Board’ is used to refer the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and its predecessor organizations, the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences and the separate Board…
Read MoreWhat is the purpose of the appeal process in patent examination?
The appeal process in patent examination serves to resolve differences of opinion between patent applicants and examiners regarding substantive decisions made by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). As stated in MPEP 1201: “The differences of opinion on such matters can be justly resolved only by prescribing and following judicial procedures.” This process…
Read MoreWhat is the role of the Patent Appeal Center in the ex parte appeal process?
The Patent Appeal Center plays a crucial role in processing ex parte appeals to the Board. According to MPEP 1203, “Appeal documents, such as the notice of appeal, appeal brief, pre-appeal brief request for review (See MPEP § 1204.02), and request for extension of time to file the brief, are processed by the Patent Appeal…
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