How is a patent title change implemented during reexamination?

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.

A change in the patent title during reexamination can only be implemented through a specific procedure. According to MPEP 2660.02:

“A change in the title in a reexamination can only be effected via a formal examiner’s amendment accompanying the Notice of Intent to Issue Inter Partes Reexamination Certificate (NIRC) at the time that the prosecution of the reexamination proceeding is to be terminated.”

It’s important to note that simply changing the title and initialing the change is not permitted in reexamination. The change must be made through the formal process described above.