What authority does the Director of the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) have in deciding petitions?
The Director of the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) has specific authority to decide petitions related to reexamination proceedings. According to MPEP 1002.02(c), the CRU Director can decide:
- Petitions for extension of time in reexamination proceedings pending in the CRU
- Petitions to accept late payment of maintenance fees with expiration of patent
- Requests for expedited examination of reexamination proceedings
This authority allows for efficient handling of procedural matters specific to reexamination cases, which are distinct from regular patent applications.
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