Can informal amendments be accepted in inter partes reexamination proceedings?

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, informal amendments are not accepted in inter partes reexamination proceedings. The MPEP 2685 explicitly states: “An informal amendment by the patent owner will not be accepted, because that would be tantamount to an ex parte interview.” This policy ensures that all communications and amendments are formally submitted and properly recorded, maintaining the integrity and transparency of the inter partes reexamination process.