What replaced inter partes reexamination in the patent system?
Inter partes reexamination was replaced by inter partes review as part of the America Invents Act (AIA). While not explicitly stated in MPEP Section 2619, this change is implied by the statement:
“No requests for inter partes reexamination may be filed on or after September 16, 2012.”
Inter partes review, introduced by the AIA, offers a more streamlined process for challenging the validity of patents at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB).
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2600 - Optional Inter Partes Reexamination,
MPEP 2619 - Copy Of Printed Patent,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure