What is an Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate?
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.
An Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate is a document issued at the conclusion of an ex parte reexamination proceeding, except in specific cases of merger with reissue applications or inter partes reexamination proceedings. The MPEP states:
An ex parte reexamination certificate is issued at the close of each ex parte reexamination proceeding in which reexamination has been ordered under 37 CFR 1.525, except for the following two cases:
- Merger with a reissue application
- Merger with an inter partes reexamination proceeding
The certificate serves as an official record of the changes made to the patent as a result of the reexamination process.