What is the purpose of the PTO-892 form in reissue applications?

The PTO-892 form, also known as the “Notice of References Cited,” serves an important purpose in reissue applications:

• It lists references cited or applied by the examiner during the reissue application examination.
• It includes relevant references from the original patent prosecution that are still applicable to the reissue claims.
• It helps maintain a clear record of which references the examiner has considered in the reissue process.

MPEP § 1406 states: In a reissue application, the examiner should consider all references that have been cited during the original prosecution of the patent, and list on a PTO-892 form any reference again cited/applied in the reissue application.

This process ensures that all relevant prior art is properly documented and considered in the reissue examination, maintaining the integrity of the patent system.

To learn more:

• PTO-892 form
• reissue application
• patent references
• examiner consideration