Can the time for requesting an oral hearing be extended?
No, the time for requesting an oral hearing cannot be extended. MPEP 2680 clearly states: “The time for requesting an oral hearing may not be extended.” This means that the two-month deadline after the date of the examiner’s answer is strict and cannot be prolonged. To learn more: oral hearing deadline extension inter partes reexamination
Read MoreWhat is the time period for responding to a final rejection in a reexamination?
The statutory period for responding to a final rejection in a reexamination proceeding is typically two months. However, the MPEP provides for an automatic extension in certain cases: In any ex parte reexamination proceeding, including third party requested reexaminations, patent owner requested reexaminations (including reexaminations ordered under 35 U.S.C. 257) or Director ordered reexaminations, the…
Read MoreCan the USPTO extend the statutory period for reply to an Office action?
No, the USPTO cannot extend the statutory period for reply to an Office action beyond the maximum period set by statute. According to MPEP 711.02: “This failure may result from a failure to reply within the statutory period… as is normally the case; or it may result from a failure to reply within a shortened…
Read MoreCan the deadline for paying the issue fee be extended?
No, the deadline for paying the issue fee cannot be extended. MPEP 1306 is very clear on this point: “The period for payment of the issue fee and any required publication fee is not extendable, see 37 CFR 1.311(a).” Furthermore, the MPEP emphasizes: “The Director has no authority to extend the time for paying the…
Read MoreCan the time period for filing a foreign priority claim be extended?
No, the time period for filing a foreign priority claim cannot be extended. As stated in MPEP 214.01: “This time period is not extendable.” However, if you miss the deadline, there is a possibility to file a petition to accept an unintentionally delayed priority claim. The MPEP states: “If a claim for priority under 35…
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