How can an appellant request a closed oral hearing in a patent reexamination appeal?
To request a closed oral hearing in a patent reexamination appeal, the appellant must follow a specific process outlined in MPEP 2276:
- File a petition under 37 CFR 41.3 requesting that the hearing not be open to the public
- Present sufficient reasons to justify the closed hearing
- Pay the petition fee set forth in 37 CFR 41.20(a)
- Wait for the petition to be granted
It’s important to note that filing a petition does not guarantee a closed hearing. The USPTO will evaluate the reasons provided and make a determination based on the merits of the request.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2200 - Citation Of Prior Art And Ex Parte Reexamination Of Patents,
MPEP 2276 - Oral Hearing,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure