How does the USPTO handle confidential concurrent proceedings during reexamination?
The USPTO has specific procedures for handling confidential concurrent proceedings during reexamination. According to MPEP 2282:
“If the concurrent proceeding is a confidential proceeding pending before the Office, the reexamination proceeding will be referred to an appropriate Technology Center (TC) official to resolve any issues relating to the confidential status of the concurrent proceeding before the reexamination proceeding can be issued and published.”
This means that the USPTO takes steps to maintain the confidentiality of certain proceedings while ensuring that relevant information is considered in the reexamination process. The Technology Center official will determine how to handle the confidential information without compromising its status.
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