What is the role of the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) in processing BPAI decisions?

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 decisions from the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences (BPAI) in reexamination proceedings:

• Receives the BPAI decision forwarded after scanning into the Image File Wrapper (IFW).
• Processes the decision for subsequent action.
• Ensures proper handling and implementation of the BPAI’s ruling.

MPEP 2245 states: “The Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences (Board) decision is scanned into the Image File Wrapper (IFW) and forwarded to the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU).” The CRU’s involvement ensures that the BPAI’s decision is properly integrated into the reexamination process and that appropriate actions are taken based on the decision.