What are the limitations on written statements submitted with prior art citations?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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. Written statements submitted with prior art citations have specific limitations. According to MPEP 2202 : “The written statement should be directed to the pertinence of the cited prior art. A written statement submitted by a person other than the patent owner must not include any information that goes beyond the citation of patents and publications.” This means that while patent owners have more flexibility in their statements, third parties are restricted to discussing only the cited patents and publications. They cannot introduce new information or arguments beyond the scope of the cited prior art. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Patent Owner Can Submit Prior Art MPEP 2202 Permitted Submission of Prior Art and Patent Owner Statements Required MPEP 2202 Permitted Patent Owner Can Submit Written Statements on Claim Scope MPEP 2202 Permitted Prior Art Citation Requirement for Patent Files MPEP 2202 Recommended Citations by Patent Owner and Third Party Requester in Inter Partes Reexamination MPEP 2202 Patent Owner and Ex Parte Requester Citations Required During Reexamination MPEP 2202 Separate Submission of Prior Art Without Request for Reexamination MPEP 2202 Permitted Explanation Required for Prior Art Submissions MPEP 2202 Required Explanation of Prior Art Required for Patent File MPEP 2202 Required Listing of Cited Patents and Publications Must Be Provided MPEP 2214 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Can citations be submitted anonymously to the USPTO? How are citations processed during an ex parte reexamination proceeding? Is there a fee for submitting prior art citations or written statements to the USPTO? Can a patent owner file ci...