What is the initial processing for an ex parte reexamination request under 35 U.S.C. 302?

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 initial processing of an ex parte reexamination request filed under 35 U.S.C. 302 involves several steps:

• The request is received by the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU).
• A reexamination file is established and assigned a filing date.
• The request is entered into the Patent Application Locating and Monitoring (PALM) system.
• The request is screened for compliance with the requirements of 37 CFR 1.510.

As stated in MPEP 2226: “The Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) Reexamination Legal Instruments Examiner (RLIE) will screen the request for ex parte reexamination […] to determine whether the request is in accordance with 37 CFR 1.510.”