What is the role of legal instrument examiners and paralegals in reexamination proceedings?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 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. Legal instrument examiners and paralegals handle most of the initial clerical processing of the reexamination file. As stated in MPEP 2270 : “The legal instrument examiners and paralegals will handle most of the initial clerical processing of the reexamination file.” This processing is overseen by the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) Supervisory Patent Reexamination Specialist (SPRS) or Technology Center (TC) Quality Assurance Specialist (QAS). Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Rules for Ex Parte Reexamination of Patents MPEP 2201 Permitted Amendments for Reexamination Must Comply with Rules MPEP 2270 Amendment Entered for Reexamination Despite Lack of Legal Effect MPEP 2270 Rejection Must Be Based on Prior Art in Ex Parte Reexamination MPEP 2258 Prohibited Amendments Required for Merged Reissue-Reexamination MPEP 2270 New Matter Must Be Removed From Claims MPEP 2270 Required Drawing Amendments Not Entered Ordinarily MPEP 2270 Amendment Enlarging Claims Must Be Entered But Rejected MPEP 2270 Failure to Appeal Results in Reexamination Certificate Issuance MPEP 1204 Brief Requirement for Ex Parte Reexamination MPEP 1205.01 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse When are amendments entered in a reexamination proceeding? How are amendments handled in merged reissue-reexamination proceedings? What happens if an amendment enlarges the scope of claims in a reexamination? How are &#8220;new matter&#8221; amendments handled in reexamination proceedings? How does the examiner handle proposed amendments during reexamination?