Can an Application Data Sheet (ADS) be submitted in a reexamination proceeding?
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.
The submission of an Application Data Sheet (ADS) in reexamination proceedings is generally not allowed, with limited exceptions. The MPEP states:
“Patent owner cannot submit an application data sheet (ADS) in a reexamination proceeding except as provided in MPEP § 2258.02.“
This restriction is in place because reexamination proceedings deal with already-issued patents, and most information typically included in an ADS is not relevant or changeable at this stage. However, MPEP § 2258.02 may provide specific circumstances where an ADS could be permissible, likely related to correction of inventorship or certain bibliographic data.