How are decisions on inter partes reexamination requests communicated?

Decisions on inter partes reexamination requests are communicated through formal office actions issued by the USPTO. These decisions typically include:

• A clear statement granting or denying the reexamination request
• An explanation of the reasoning behind the decision
• Identification of claims to be reexamined (if granted)
• Instructions for further correspondence

The MPEP provides example decision formats, such as:

DECISION GRANTING INTER PARTES REEXAMINATION or DECISION DENYING INTER PARTES REEXAMINATION

These decisions are signed by the primary examiner and at least one conferee from the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU).

To learn more:

• inter partes reexamination
• reexamination decision
• USPTO communication
• office action