What happens if an appeal brief is not timely filed in ex parte reexamination?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-29

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.

If an appeal brief is not timely filed in ex parte reexamination, the appeal will be dismissed. The MPEP clearly states:

“Failure to file the brief and/or the appeal brief fee within the permissible time will result in dismissal of the appeal.”

After dismissal, the reexamination prosecution is terminated, and a Notice of Intent to Issue Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate (NIRC) will be issued, indicating the status of the claims at the time of appeal.

Topics: MPEP 2200 - Citation Of Prior Art And Ex Parte Reexamination Of Patents MPEP 2274 - Appeal Brief Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: Fees 1 17, Reexamination Appeals, Reexamination Cru, Reexamination Order, Request Fee