What is a Supplemental Examination Certificate?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 10 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 Supplemental Examination Certificate is a document prepared by the USPTO that lists all items of information properly submitted as part of a supplemental examination request. It states whether a substantial new question of patentability (SNQ) affecting at least one claim of the patent is raised in the request. According to the MPEP, The supplemental examination certificate is prepared by utilizing a form captioned “Supplemental Examination Certificate.” This certificate is a crucial part of the supplemental examination process, as it officially records the outcome of the examination. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Substantial New Question of Patentability Determination MPEP 2816.03 Permitted Reasons for Substantial New Question of Patentability Determination Must Accompany Supplemental Examination Certificate MPEP 2816.03 Reasons for Substantial New Question of Patentability MPEP 2816.03 Supplemental Examination Certificate Must Indicate SNQ and Refer to Reasons Document MPEP 2816.03 Recommended Supplemental Examination Certificate Issued After Panel Confirmation MPEP 2816.03 Required Supplemental Examination No SNQ Determination MPEP 2816.03 Director Must Conduct Supplemental Examination Within 3 Months MPEP 2816.03 Required Examiner Formulates and Submits Supplemental Examination Certificate and Reasons Document MPEP 2816.03 Item of Information Raising SNQ Must Be Addressed MPEP 2816.03 Recommended Patent Owner May Request Supplemental Examination to Consider Relevant Information MPEP 2816.03 Permitted Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How are corrections to factual information handled in Supplemental Examination? How does the USPTO determi...