What is inter partes reexamination?
Inter partes reexamination is a process that allows any third party to request a review of a patent issued from an original application filed on or after November 29, 1999. This process was available for requests filed prior to September 16, 2012. The MPEP 2609 states:
The inter partes reexamination statute and rules permit any third party requester to request, prior to September 16, 2012, inter partes reexamination of a patent which issued from an original application filed on or after November 29, 1999, where the request contains certain elements (see 37 CFR 1.915(b)) and is accompanied by the fee required under 37 CFR 1.20(c)(2).
The process involves an examination of the patent in light of prior art patents or printed publications, with the participation of the third-party requester throughout the proceedings.
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