Can a third party requester petition to merge a reissue application and an inter partes reexamination proceeding?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30

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.

No, a third party requester does not have the right to file a petition to merge a reissue application and an inter partes reexamination proceeding. The MPEP clearly states:

“The third party requester does not have a right to file a petition under 37 CFR 1.182 to merge a reexamination proceeding and a reissue application examination, since the reexamination third party requester does not have any standing to request relief with respect to a reissue application, to which requester cannot be a party. No such standing is provided for anywhere in the statute.”

However, a third party requester can file a notification of concurrent proceedings pursuant to 37 CFR 1.985(b). After such notification, the Office of Patent Legal Administration would consider any action to be taken sua sponte.

Topics: MPEP 2600 - Optional Inter Partes Reexamination MPEP 2686.03 - Copending Reexamination And Reissue Proceedings Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: concurrent proceedings, petition rights, Third Party Requester