How does the USPTO treat claims held “not invalid” by a federal court in reexamination?
The USPTO may still reexamine claims that have been held “not invalid” by a federal court. According to MPEP § 2259: “Claims finally held as ‘not invalid’ by a federal court, after all appeals, may still be subject to reexamination.” This means that even if a court has upheld the validity of certain claims, the…
Read MoreCan a reexamination be ordered for claims not specifically requested in the reexamination request?
Generally, the USPTO’s determination in both the order for reexamination and the examination stage will be limited to the claims for which reexamination was specifically requested. However, the Office has the discretion to reexamine any claim for which reexamination has not been requested. The MPEP states: “The decision to reexamine any claim for which reexamination…
Read MoreCan a reexamination be ordered for claims not specifically requested in the inter partes reexamination request?
Generally, the USPTO will limit its examination to the claims specifically requested for reexamination. However, the Office retains discretion to reexamine other claims. The MPEP states: “The Office’s determination in both the order for reexamination and the examination stage of the reexamination will generally be limited solely to a review of the claim(s) for which…
Read MoreWhat activities are included in USPTO reexamination time reporting?
The MPEP 2238 provides guidance on the range of activities that should be included in time reporting for reexaminations: “Even activities such as supervision, copying, typing, and docketing should be included.” This means that USPTO personnel should report time spent on both direct examination tasks and supporting activities related to reexamination proceedings. To learn more:…
Read MoreWhat activities should be included in USPTO personnel’s Time and Attendance Reports for reexamination?
According to MPEP 2638, USPTO personnel should include all activities related to reexamination in their Time and Attendance Reports. The section specifically states: “Even activities such as supervision, copying, typing, and docketing should be included.” This means that in addition to direct examination work, administrative and support tasks related to reexamination should also be reported.…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO recommend rejecting an omnibus claim?
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provides specific guidance for rejecting omnibus claims. According to MPEP 2173.05(r): “Such a claim can be rejected using form paragraph 7.35. See MPEP § 2175.” Form paragraph 7.35 is a standardized template that patent examiners can use to reject omnibus claims. It typically cites the relevant statute…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO notify the public about tentative abstract idea rejections?
The USPTO has a process for notifying the public about tentative abstract idea rejections. According to the MPEP: The TC Director will then inform Patents Management that this procedure has been used so that the public can be notified, for example, on USPTO.GOV at the Subject Matter Eligibility website. (MPEP 2106.04(a)(3)) This process ensures: Transparency…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO determine if a document is publicly accessible for patent purposes?
The USPTO determines public accessibility of a document for patent purposes based on several factors outlined in MPEP 2128.01. Key considerations include: The extent of dissemination The ease with which the document can be located The intended audience’s ability to find the document The MPEP provides guidance: “Whether a document is ‘publicly accessible’ is determined…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO acknowledge receipt of a protest?
The USPTO acknowledges receipt of a protest through a self-addressed postcard provided by the protestor. According to MPEP 1901.05: “Where a self-addressed postcard is included with the protest, the Office will acknowledge receipt of the protest by return of the self-addressed postcard.” It’s important to note that this acknowledgment only confirms receipt and does not…
Read MoreWhat is the prohibition on filing subsequent inter partes reexamination requests?
The USPTO has a prohibition on filing subsequent inter partes reexamination requests under certain circumstances. The MPEP states: “Where an ordered inter partes reexamination is pending, and an inter partes reexamination request is subsequently filed, the prohibition provision of 37 CFR 1.907(a) must be considered. Once an order for inter partes reexamination has been issued,…
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