How are citations in a reexamination proceeding made publicly available?

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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. Citations in a reexamination proceeding are made publicly available through the following process: The citations are entered into the patent’s Image File Wrapper (IFW) They are classified in a separate area of the IFW This separate area is labeled “Citations by Third Parties under 37 CFR 1.501” As stated in MPEP 2206 : “The citations are placed in the patent’s Image File Wrapper (IFW) and entered in a separate area of the IFW labeled “Citations by Third Parties under 37 CFR 1.501.”” This classification ensures that the citations are easily accessible to the public and examiners reviewing the patent file. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Improper Submission Not to Be Entered In File MPEP 2206 Recommended Submissions Under 37 CFR 1.501 Must Be Reviewed Before Entry MPEP 2206 Proper 37 CFR 1.501 Submission Must Be Entered Regardless of Timing MPEP 2206 Recommended Proper 37 CFR 1.501 Submission Must Be Entered Into Patent File MPEP 2206 Recommended Requirement for Proper Prior Art Submission MPEP 2206 Permitted Proper 37 CFR 1.501 Submission Required for Patent File Entry MPEP 2206 Submission of Prior Art via Electronic System Prohibited for Design and Plant Patents MPEP 2206 Prohibited Proper Submissions for Reexamination Must Be Entered Correctly MPEP 2206 Recommended Electronically Filed Prior Art Cannot Be Follow-On Paper MPEP 2206 Prohibited Submission After Reexamination Concluded Must Be Entered in Patent File MPEP 2206 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What happens to 37 CFR 1.501 submissions after an order for reexamination? What happens to citations submitted after a reexamination request is filed? What happens if a 37 CFR 1.501 submission...