What is the Pre-Appeal Brief Conference Pilot Program?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 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. The Pre-Appeal Brief Conference Pilot Program is an initiative by the USPTO that allows applicants to request a review of the application prior to filing a full appeal brief. This program has specific rules regarding interviews: “As indicated in the notice “Pre-Appeal Brief Conference Pilot Program,” 1296 OG 76 (July 12, 2005), no interviews will be granted from the filing of a request for pre-appeal review through issuance of a decision on the request.” This means that once an applicant files a request for a pre-appeal review, interviews are not permitted until after the USPTO issues a decision on that request. This policy ensures that the pre-appeal review process remains focused and efficient. For more details on this program, you can refer to MPEP § 1204.02 . Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Communication by Patent Appeal Center MPEP 1204 Free Appeal Brief Filing Fee MPEP 1204 Filing Appeal Brief Within Two Months MPEP 1204 Required Free Appeal Brief Filing Fee MPEP 1204 Filing Appeal Brief as Notice of Appeal MPEP 1204 Fees for Patent Appeals and Oral Hearings MPEP 1204 Required Free Appeal Brief Fee; Forwarding Fee Added MPEP 1204 No Requirement to Pay Appeal Brief Fee at $0 MPEP 1204 Patent Appeal Center Reviews Notice of Appeal MPEP 1204 Examiner Contact Patent Appeal Center for Post-Entry Defect Identification MPEP 1204 Recommended Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What is the proper procedure if an applicant wants to appeal after filing an RCE? What happens if a Pre-Appeal Brief Request is not timely filed? What happens if a Pre-Appeal Brief Request is not proper? Can new arguments be presented in a Pre-Appeal Brief Request? What happen...