What is the role of the Office of Patent Legal Administration (OPLA) in the reissue review process?

The Office of Patent Legal Administration (OPLA) plays a crucial role in the reissue review process. According to MPEP 1456:

“Where the reissue application has been reviewed by the Office of Patent Legal Administration (OPLA) as indicated in MPEP § 1441.01, the reissue application file must be returned to OPLA for a second review prior to issue of the reissue.”

This means that OPLA conducts two reviews during the reissue process:

1. An initial review as described in MPEP § 1441.01
2. A final review before the reissue patent is issued

These reviews help ensure that all legal and procedural requirements for reissue patents are met before the patent is granted.

To learn more:

• OPLA
• Office of Patent Legal Administration
• reissue review
• patent examination