What is the significance of September 16, 2012, for inter partes reexamination?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-29 9 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. September 16, 2012, marks a crucial date for inter partes reexamination in patent law. According to MPEP 2620 , “No requests for inter partes reexamination may be filed on or after September 16, 2012.” This change effectively ended the practice of inter partes reexamination, which was replaced by inter partes review under the America Invents Act. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 9 rules Collapse Inter Partes Reexamination Not Acceptable After September 16, 2012 MPEP 2620 Inter Partes Reexamination Not Acceptable After September 16, 2012 MPEP 2620 Reexamination Requests Prohibited After September 16, 2012 MPEP 1400.01 Permitted Reissue After September 16, 2012 MPEP 1401 Third-Party Submissions Eliminated After September 16, 2012 MPEP 1134 Interference Before September 16, 2012 Must Be Dismissed Without Prejudice to Post-Grant Review MPEP 1002.02(f) Interference Commenced Before September 16, 2012 Can Be Dismissed Without Prejudice to Post-Grant Review Petition MPEP 1002.02(f) Third-Party Submissions Replaced by New Rules MPEP 1134.01 Ex Parte Appeal Practice Before September 16, 2012 MPEP 1201 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How does the discontinuation of inter partes reexamination affect patent challenges? What replaced inter partes reexamination after September 16, 2012? How does the USPTO handle correspondence with patent owners during inter partes reexamination? How does 35 U.S.C. 312(a) affect the determination in inter partes reexamination? What is the purpose of 37 CFR 1.927 in the reexamination process?