What is the deadline for the Director to decide on an inter partes reexamination request?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-29

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.

The Director has a specific timeframe to make a decision on an inter partes reexamination request. According to MPEP 2640:

“The reexamination proceeding is instituted by the Director within 3 months following the filing date of a request for reexamination.”

This 3-month deadline ensures that decisions on reexamination requests are made in a timely manner, allowing for efficient processing of patent review cases.

Topics: MPEP 2600 - Optional Inter Partes Reexamination MPEP 2640 - Decision On Request Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: Director'S Decision, filing deadline, inter partes reexamination, Patent Review