What happens with fees in merged reexamination proceedings?
In merged reexamination proceedings, the fee structure is simplified. According to MPEP 2233:
“When a fee is required in a merged proceeding (see MPEP § 2283 and § 2285), only a single fee is needed even though multiple copies of the submissions (one for each file) are required.“
This means that despite the need for multiple copies of submissions in merged proceedings, applicants are only required to pay a single fee for the merged case, rather than separate fees for each individual proceeding.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2200 - Citation Of Prior Art And Ex Parte Reexamination Of Patents,
MPEP 2233 - Processing In Central Reexamination Unit And Technology Center,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure