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.
A Notice of Intent to Issue Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate (NIRC) is a document prepared by the examiner upon conclusion of an ex parte reexamination proceeding. The NIRC informs the patent owner and any third party requester that the reexamination prosecution has been terminated.
According to MPEP 2287, “Upon conclusion of the ex parte reexamination proceeding, the examiner must prepare a ‘Notice of Intent to Issue Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate’ (NIRC) by completing form PTOL-469.” The NIRC is a crucial step in concluding the reexamination process and preparing for the issuance of the reexamination certificate.