What is the significance of sending inter partes reexamination certificates to foreign offices?

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 distribution of inter partes reexamination certificates to foreign offices with exchange agreements is significant for several reasons:

• It promotes international cooperation in patent examination and protection.
• It helps maintain consistent patent information across different jurisdictions.
• It supports global innovation by sharing updated patent status information.

MPEP 2692 states: A copy of the inter partes reexamination certificate will also be forwarded to … those foreign offices which have an exchange agreement with the Office. This practice facilitates the exchange of patent information between the USPTO and foreign patent offices, contributing to a more harmonized global patent system.