What additional requirements must be considered when examining a reissue application?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27

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.

While reissue applications are examined similarly to non-reissue applications, there are additional requirements specific to reissues. The MPEP 1440 outlines:

“In addition, the application will be examined with respect to compliance with 37 CFR 1.171-1.178 relating specifically to reissue applications, for example, the reissue oath or declaration will be carefully reviewed for compliance with 37 CFR 1.175.”

These additional requirements include:

  • Compliance with reissue-specific regulations (37 CFR 1.171-1.178)
  • Careful review of the reissue oath or declaration
  • Consideration of the original patent file wrapper/file history

Examiners must ensure that these reissue-specific requirements are met in addition to the standard patentability criteria.

Tags: patent examination, patent law, reissue application, reissue requirements