How are supplemental examination requests assigned to specific art units?
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.
Supplemental examination requests are assigned to specific art units within the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) based on the technology area of the patent. According to the MPEP, The CRU art unit which examines the technology (Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, etc.) in which the patent to be examined is currently classified as an original patent, will be assigned the supplemental examination request.
This means that the assignment is made to the art unit that specializes in the technology relevant to the patent under supplemental examination.