What is a P.R. case in patent examination?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-10 6 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. A P.R. case, mentioned in MPEP 705.01(b) , refers to a patent application that requires examination by multiple Technology Centers (TCs) at the USPTO. These cases often involve complex inventions that span different technical fields. The MPEP states: In the event that the supervisory patent examiners concerned in a P.R. case cannot agree as to the order of examination by their Technology Centers (TCs), the supervisory patent examiner having jurisdiction of the application will direct that a complete search be made of the art relevant to his or her claims prior to referring the application to another TC for report. This indicates that P.R. cases require special coordination between different TCs to determine the most efficient examination sequence. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 6 rules Collapse Supervisory Examiner Directs Complete Search Before Referral MPEP 705.01(b) Prohibited TC Must Be Informed of Search Results MPEP 705.01(b) Supervisory Examiners Can Modify Search Order MPEP 705.01(b) Recommended Requirement for Patentability Report MPEP 705 Application May Be Referred for Patentability Report MPEP 705 Permitted Patentability Report Only for Extraordinary Circumstances MPEP 705 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is the sequence of examination in patent applications involving multiple Technology Centers? How do supervisory patent examiners resolve disagreements on examination order? How is the sequence of examination determined in Patentability Report cases? Can the sequence of patent examination be modified after initial determination? How is a Patentability Report approved in the USPTO?