How are reissue applications examined compared to original applications?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27

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.

Reissue applications are examined in the same manner as original, non-reissue, non-provisional applications. This is explicitly stated in 37 CFR 1.176, which says that a reissue application, “including all the claims therein, is subject to ‘be examined in the same manner as a non-reissue, non-provisional application.’”

This means that examiners will apply the same level of scrutiny and use the same examination procedures for reissue applications as they would for any other patent application.

Tags: patent examination, patent law, reissue application, USPTO procedures