Who processes requests for supplemental examination?
According to MPEP 2812, requests for supplemental examination are processed by the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) of the USPTO. The MPEP states: “All processing of requests for supplemental examination and of other papers filed in a supplemental examination proceeding and in any resulting ex parte reexamination proceeding will be performed by the staff of the…
Read MoreWho processes reexamination requests in the USPTO?
Reexamination requests are processed by designated personnel in the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) or Technology Centers (TCs). According to MPEP 2233: “The working groups in the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) or Technology Centers (TCs) have designated the legal instrument examiners and paralegals to act as reexamination clerks, as part of their assigned duties, and thus…
Read MoreWhat is the role of the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP) in ex parte reexamination?
The Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP) plays a crucial role in the initial stages of ex parte reexamination. According to MPEP 2226: “The opening of all mail marked “Mail Stop Ex Parte Reexam,” and all initial clerical processing of requests for reexamination, will be performed in the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP).” OPAP…
Read MoreHow are corrections to incomplete ex parte reexamination requests processed?
Corrections to incomplete ex parte reexamination requests filed under 35 U.S.C. 302 are processed by the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU). The MPEP states: “All processing of submissions to cure an incomplete request for ex parte reexamination filed under 35 U.S.C. 302 (see MPEP § 2227) is carried out by the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU).” This…
Read MoreWhat is the role of the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) in processing ex parte reexamination request corrections?
The Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) plays a crucial role in processing corrections to incomplete ex parte reexamination requests. According to the MPEP: “All processing of submissions to cure an incomplete request for ex parte reexamination filed under 35 U.S.C. 302 (see MPEP § 2227) is carried out by the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU).” This means…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO monitor the processing of reissue applications with stayed litigation?
The USPTO has implemented specific monitoring systems for reissue applications with stayed litigation. According to MPEP 1442.03: “Time-monitoring systems have been put into effect which will closely monitor the time used by applicants, protestors, and examiners in processing reissue applications of patents involved in litigation in which the court has stayed further action.” Additionally, monthly…
Read MoreHow does an application being “substantially allowable” affect its processing?
When an application is deemed “substantially allowable,” it receives special status and is processed more quickly. MPEP § 1301 states: “When an application is in condition for allowance, except as to matters of form, the application will be considered special and prompt action taken to require correction of formal matters.” This means that the USPTO…
Read MoreWhat are the status flags in reissue application processing?
In the reissue application process, there are two important status flags that must be set by the Training Quality Assurance Specialist (TQAS): Initial Flag: Set when a new reissue application enters the Technology Center (TC). Final Flag: Removed before a Notice of Allowance can be generated or an issue revision transaction can be entered. MPEP…
Read MoreWhat is the significance of an application being considered “special”?
When an application is considered “special,” it receives priority treatment in the examination process. MPEP § 1301 states: “When an application is in condition for allowance, except as to matters of form, the application will be considered special and prompt action taken to require correction of formal matters.” This special status means that the USPTO…
Read MoreWhat is the priority status of reissue applications with stayed litigation?
Reissue applications with stayed litigation are given high priority in the USPTO. According to MPEP 1442.03, “reissue applications involved in ‘stayed litigation’ will be taken up for action in advance of other reissue applications. Great emphasis is placed on the expedited processing of such reissue applications.” This means that these applications are processed more quickly…
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