What is the purpose of Form PTOL-473 in ex parte reexamination?

Form PTOL-473 is the Ex Parte Reexamination Examiner’s Answer used in ex parte reexamination proceedings. According to MPEP 2296, this form is “used as the Examiner’s Answer in ex parte reexamination.” It serves as the examiner’s response to an appeal brief filed by the patent owner or third-party requester, outlining the examiner’s position on the…

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What is Form PTOL-471 used for in ex parte reexamination?

Form PTOL-471 is used as the Ex Parte Reexamination Communication Transmittal Form in ex parte reexamination proceedings. According to MPEP 2296, this form is “used to transmit Office actions and other communications in ex parte reexamination proceedings.” It serves as a cover sheet for various communications between the USPTO and parties involved in the reexamination…

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How is Form PTOL-465 used in ex parte reexamination?

Form PTOL-465 is the Notice of Intent to Issue Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate (NIRC) used in ex parte reexamination proceedings. The MPEP 2296 states that this form is “used to notify the parties that prosecution has been terminated and that a reexamination certificate will be issued.” It serves as an important notification that the reexamination…

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How can I file a petition for delayed payment of maintenance fees?

To file a petition for delayed payment of maintenance fees, follow these steps according to MPEP 2590: Use form PTO/SB/66, available on the USPTO forms website. Mark the front page of the communication “Attention: Office of Petitions”. Address the petition to:Mail Stop PetitionCommissioner for PatentsP.O. Box 1450Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450 Include the required maintenance fee, petition…

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What is a fee address and how do I establish one for maintenance fee purposes?

A fee address is a designated address for correspondence related to maintenance fees. To establish a fee address for maintenance fee purposes, you should use the “‘Fee Address’ Indication Form,” Form PTO/SB/47. MPEP 2595 states: “The following forms are suggested when submitting a maintenance fee or establishing a fee address for maintenance fee purposes. […]…

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How can a patent owner change the correspondence address after a patent issues?

According to MPEP 2622, a patent owner can change the correspondence address after a patent issues. The process depends on whether a reexamination proceeding is pending: 1. If a reexamination proceeding is pending, address the request to: Mail Stop “Inter Partes Reexam”Attn: Central Reexamination UnitCommissioner for PatentsP.O. Box 1450Alexandria, VA 22313-1450 2. If no reexamination…

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Are the forms mentioned in MPEP 2595 mandatory for maintenance fee submissions?

While the forms mentioned in MPEP 2595 are recommended, they are not strictly mandatory. The MPEP uses the word “suggested” when referring to these forms: “The following forms are suggested when submitting a maintenance fee or establishing a fee address for maintenance fee purposes.” However, using these official forms is highly recommended as they ensure…

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