How should examiners handle third-party requester proposed rejections in inter partes reexamination?
Examiners must carefully consider and address all third-party requester proposed rejections in inter partes reexamination. MPEP 2660 provides clear guidance on this matter: “The examiner should not refuse to adopt a rejection properly proposed by the requester as being cumulative to other rejections applied. Rather, any such proposed rejection must be adopted to preserve parties’…
Read MoreCan a third party requester petition to merge a reexamination proceeding with a reissue application?
A third party requester does not have the right to petition for the merger of a reexamination proceeding with a reissue application. The MPEP clearly states: The third party requester does not have a right to file a petition under 37 CFR 1.182 to merge a reexamination proceeding and a reissue application examination, since a…
Read MoreCan a third-party requester petition to merge multiple reexamination proceedings?
A third-party requester generally does not have the right to petition for merging multiple reexamination proceedings. According to MPEP ยง 2283: “The third party requester of a reexamination proceeding (reexamination # 1) does not have a right to file a petition under 37 CFR 1.182 to merge that reexamination proceeding with another reexamination proceeding (reexamination…
Read MoreCan a third party requester participate in the appeal process of inter partes reexamination?
Can a third party requester participate in the appeal process of inter partes reexamination? Yes, a third party requester can participate in the appeal process of inter partes reexamination. MPEP 2674 outlines the rights and limitations of the third party requester in the appeal process: “The third party requester may file a respondent brief in…
Read MoreCan third-party requesters participate in ex parte reexamination interviews?
No, third-party requesters are not permitted to participate in ex parte reexamination interviews. MPEP 2281 clearly states: “Requests that reexamination requesters participate in interviews with examiners will not be granted.“ This restriction is in place to maintain the ex parte nature of the reexamination proceedings. Only the patent owner and/or their representative can participate in…
Read MoreHow are third-party requesters notified of Office actions in ex parte reexamination?
In ex parte reexamination proceedings involving third-party requesters, the USPTO ensures that they receive copies of all Office actions. According to MPEP 2264: “All actions in a third party requester ex parte reexamination will have a copy mailed to the third party requester. A transmittal form PTOL-465 must be used in providing the third party…
Read MoreWhat happens if a third party requester doesn’t comment on a patent owner’s response in inter partes reexamination?
If a third party requester does not file timely written comments on a patent owner’s response in inter partes reexamination, any subsequent submission of comments on that specific response will be refused consideration. However, this does not affect the requester’s rights to comment on future patent owner responses. As stated in MPEP 2666.20: “Where a…
Read MoreCan a third party requester petition to merge a reissue application and an inter partes reexamination proceeding?
No, a third party requester does not have the right to file a petition to merge a reissue application and an inter partes reexamination proceeding. The MPEP clearly states: “The third party requester does not have a right to file a petition under 37 CFR 1.182 to merge a reexamination proceeding and a reissue application…
Read MoreCan a third party requester intervene in court review of a reexamination decision?
While third party requesters cannot directly appeal reexamination decisions, they may be allowed to intervene in court reviews under certain circumstances. The MPEP 2279 states: “While the reexamination statutory provisions do not provide for participation by any third party requester during any court review, the courts have permitted intervention by a third party requester in…
Read MoreWhat are the consequences if a third party requester fails to file a timely appeal in inter partes reexamination?
If a third party requester fails to file a timely appeal or if their appeal is dismissed in inter partes reexamination, they lose certain rights in the appeal process. However, they may retain some limited participation options depending on the circumstances. According to MPEP 2666.20: “Where the third party requester fails to make a timely…
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