What is the “Reasons Document” in Supplemental Examination?

The “Reasons Document,” officially called the “Reasons for Substantial New Question of Patentability Determination,” is a document that accompanies the Supplemental Examination Certificate. It provides a detailed explanation of why each item of information submitted in a supplemental examination request does or does not raise a substantial new question of patentability (SNQ). The MPEP states:…

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What is the purpose of the statement applying prior art in an inter partes reexamination request?

The purpose of the statement applying prior art in an inter partes reexamination request is to explain how the cited prior art is applicable to the claims of the patent for which reexamination is requested. According to MPEP 2617: “The request must include a statement applying the cited prior art (the patents and printed publications)…

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What is the purpose of recording the Statement of Grant of Protection in the International Register?

The recording of the Statement of Grant of Protection in the International Register serves several important purposes in the context of international design applications. According to MPEP 2940, which cites Hague Rule 18bis(3): “The International Bureau shall record any statement received under this Rule in the International Register, inform the holder accordingly and, where the…

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What is the purpose of supplemental examination?

Supplemental examination is a process in patent law that allows patent owners to request the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to consider, reconsider, or correct information believed to be relevant to their patent. This process is primarily used to address potential issues of inequitable conduct or other patentability concerns that may have arisen…

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What is the purpose of citing prior art in an inter partes reexamination?

Citing prior art in an inter partes reexamination serves to bring relevant existing patents, publications, or other information to the attention of the USPTO during the reexamination process. This helps ensure that all pertinent information is considered when determining the patentability of the claims under review. According to MPEP 2602, “Citations by the patent owner…

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How are patent applications with lengthy sequence listings published?

According to MPEP 2435, patent applications with lengthy sequence listings are published as follows: The specification, claims, and drawings are published in the Patent Application Publication. The sequence listing is published separately as a Sequence Listing XML file on the USPTO website. A statement is included in the Patent Application Publication indicating the publication of…

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How is the Inter Partes Reexamination Certificate published?

The Inter Partes Reexamination Certificate is published by the USPTO to officially conclude the reexamination proceeding. According to MPEP 2688: “A notice of the issuance of each certificate under this section will be published in the Official Gazette.” The MPEP further clarifies that the notice is published on the date of issuance of the certificate…

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