What is the purpose of the Office of Petitions in the USPTO?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27

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 Office of Petitions in the USPTO serves a crucial role in handling various administrative matters. According to MPEP 1002.01:

“The Office of Petitions, under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner for Patent Examination Policy, is charged with the responsibility of reviewing and deciding petitions, requests, and related inquiries, which are not otherwise delegated to other Patent and Trademark Office business units.”

This office ensures that administrative issues are addressed efficiently, allowing other departments to focus on their primary responsibilities in patent examination and prosecution.

Tags: administrative matters, Office of Petitions, patent examination policy, USPTO