Who is responsible for monitoring and reviewing reissue applications?
Reissue applications are monitored and reviewed by different personnel depending on their assignment: For applications assigned to Technology Centers (TCs): Training Quality Assurance Specialists (TQASs) For applications assigned to the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU): Supervisory Patent Reexamination Specialists (SPRS) According to MPEP 1456: “All reissue applications assigned to the Technology Centers (TCs) are monitored and…
Read MoreWhat is the role of a TQAS in reissue application examination?
A Training Quality Assurance Specialist (TQAS) plays a crucial role in the examination of reissue applications. Their responsibilities include: Monitoring and reviewing reissue applications at various stages of prosecution Ensuring that reissue-specific practices and procedures are followed Instructing examiners on reissue-specific procedures Conducting patentability reviews on a sample of reissue applications Setting and removing status…
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 MoreHow 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…
Read MoreWhat is the purpose of reissue review in patent examination?
Reissue review serves two main purposes in patent examination: To ensure that practices and procedures unique to reissue applications are properly carried out. To conduct a patentability review in a sample of reissue applications. As stated in MPEP 1456: “The review by the Office of the TC TQASs is made to check that practice and…
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