Are oral hearings in patent reexamination appeals open to the public?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. Generally, oral hearings in patent reexamination appeals are open to the public as observers. However, the appellant can request a closed hearing under certain conditions. According to MPEP 2276 : “Where the appeal involves reexamination proceedings, oral hearings are open to the public as observers (subject to the admittance procedures established by the Board), unless the appellant (A) petitions under 37 CFR 41.3 that the hearing not be open to the public, (B) presents sufficient reasons for such a request, (C) pays the petition fee set forth in 37 CFR 41.20(a), and (D) the petition is granted.” This means that while hearings are typically public, the appellant can petition for a closed hearing if they have sufficient reasons and pay the required fee. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Reexamination Hearing Not Open to Public Unless Petitioned MPEP 2276 Oral Hearings Required for Appeals MPEP 2276 Request for Oral Hearing Must Be Filed Within Two Months MPEP 2276 Required Request for Oral Hearing Must Be Timely Filed MPEP 2276 Prohibited Requirement for Oral Hearing Request and Fee Payment MPEP 2276 Permitted Request for Oral Hearing Required Within Two Months MPEP 2276 Extensions of Time for Ex Parte Reexamination MPEP 1208.01 Petition for Abandonment After Issue Fee Payment MPEP 1002.02(b) Multiple Third-Party Submissions Permitted Under Certain Conditions MPEP 1134.01 Fee Required for Suspend Petition MPEP 1002 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What are the deadlines for requesting an oral hearing in a patent reexamination appeal? What fees are associated with requesting an oral hearing in a patent reexamination appeal? How can an appellant re...