Are there any restrictions on the timing of interviews in ex parte reexamination?
Yes, there are specific restrictions on the timing of interviews in ex parte reexamination proceedings. The MPEP 2281 states: “Interviews prior to the first Office action in ex parte reexamination proceedings are prohibited.“ This restriction is in place to ensure that: The examiner has had a chance to review the case and form initial opinions…
Read MoreWhat are the rules for recording interviews in ex parte reexamination proceedings?
In ex parte reexamination proceedings, interviews must be recorded and made of record in the reexamination file. The MPEP states: “All interviews in ex parte reexamination proceedings must be made of record in the reexamination file. The examiner should therefore prepare, sign, and date a memorandum for the record after each interview, stating in detail…
Read MoreWho can participate in interviews during ex parte reexamination proceedings?
Participation in interviews during ex parte reexamination proceedings is limited to specific parties. According to MPEP 2281: “Interviews in ex parte reexamination proceedings should be conducted with the parties set forth in MPEP § 2281.01.“ This typically includes: The examiner The patent owner (if represented, then with their attorney or agent) The third party requester…
Read MoreWhy can’t examiners use interviews or examiner’s amendments to resolve minor issues after ACP in inter partes reexamination?
In inter partes reexamination, examiners cannot use interviews or examiner’s amendments to resolve minor issues after Action Closing Prosecution (ACP) due to the presence of the third party requester and procedural restrictions. MPEP 2673.01 explains: “The examiner cannot telephone the owner to obtain the minor change(s) and then issue a RAN because interviews are not…
Read MoreAre interviews allowed during supplemental examination proceedings?
No, interviews are strictly prohibited during supplemental examination proceedings. This is clearly stated in 37 CFR 1.620(e): “Interviews are prohibited in a supplemental examination proceeding.” The MPEP explains that this prohibition is in place to help the Office process supplemental examination requests within the statutory three-month period. Any request for an interview filed during a…
Read MoreAre interviews permitted in merged reissue and inter partes reexamination proceedings?
No, interviews discussing the merits of the case are not permitted in merged reissue and inter partes reexamination proceedings. The MPEP states: “Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.955, an interview which discusses the merits of a proceeding is not permitted in an inter partes reexamination proceeding. Thus, in a merged proceeding of an inter partes reexamination…
Read MoreAre interviews allowed in inter partes reexamination proceedings?
No, interviews discussing the merits of inter partes reexamination proceedings are not allowed. According to MPEP 2685, “Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.955, an interview which discusses the merits of a proceeding will not be permitted in inter partes reexamination proceedings.” This prohibition applies to both inter partes interviews and separate ex parte interviews with either…
Read MoreAre interviews permitted during inter partes reexamination proceedings?
No, interviews are not permitted during inter partes reexamination proceedings. This restriction affects how examiner’s amendments are made in conjunction with a Notice of Intent to Issue Inter Partes Reexamination Certificate (NIRC). The MPEP explicitly states: Interviews are not permitted in an inter partes reexamination proceeding (see MPEP § 2685). Thus, the examiner is not…
Read MoreHow are interviews conducted in ex parte reexamination proceedings?
Interviews in ex parte reexamination proceedings are conducted under specific guidelines. The MPEP 2254 states: “Interviews are permitted in an ex parte reexamination proceeding. In the ex parte reexamination proceeding, only ex parte interviews between the examiner and patent owner and/or the patent owner’s representative are permitted. Interviews between the examiner and the third party…
Read MoreAre interviews allowed in ex parte reexamination resulting from supplemental examination?
Yes, interviews are generally permitted in ex parte reexamination proceedings that result from a supplemental examination. The MPEP states: “Interviews conducted in connection with any ex parte reexamination ordered under 35 U.S.C. 257 as a result of the supplemental examination proceeding are governed by the regulations governing ex parte reexamination proceedings.” This means that while…
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