What is the significance of September 16, 2012, for inter partes reexamination requests?

September 16, 2012, marks a critical date for inter partes reexamination requests. According to the MPEP, “No requests for inter partes reexamination may be filed on or after September 16, 2012.” This means that the inter partes reexamination process was discontinued after this date, and patent challengers must use other procedures to contest the validity…

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Can I still file a request for inter partes reexamination?

No, requests for inter partes reexamination are no longer accepted. According to MPEP 2631, “No requests for inter partes reexamination may be filed on or after September 16, 2012.” This change was part of the America Invents Act (AIA) which replaced inter partes reexamination with inter partes review. For information on the former practice of…

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What happened to inter partes reexamination requests?

Inter partes reexamination requests are no longer accepted as of September 16, 2012. The Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) Section 2626 states: “No requests for inter partes reexamination may be filed on or after September 16, 2012.” This change was part of the America Invents Act, which replaced inter partes reexamination with inter partes…

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What happens if litigation is pending when the inter partes reexamination certificate is to be issued?

What happens if litigation is pending when the inter partes reexamination certificate is to be issued? If litigation is pending when the inter partes reexamination certificate is to be issued, the USPTO takes specific steps to ensure proper handling. According to MPEP 2688: “If the reexamination proceeding is ready for issuance of a certificate, but…

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