What is the role of the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) in a Reexamination of a Reexamination?
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 Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) plays a crucial role in processing a Reexamination of a Reexamination. According to MPEP 2295, “When the file for the new reexamination proceeding (reexamination of a reexamination) is first received by the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU), the CRU technical support staff will print out a copy of the issued reexamination certificate and make it of record in the second reexamination file wrapper as a preliminary amendment.” This ensures that the examiner has the most up-to-date version of the patent claims for review. The CRU also completes checklists and reviews the reexamination for compliance with guidelines.