What types of communications are allowed in inter partes reexamination proceedings?

In inter partes reexamination proceedings, all communications between the Office and the parties (patent owner and third party requester) must be in writing and filed with the Office for entry into the record. The MPEP 2685 states: “All communications between the Office and the patent owner (and the third party requester) which are directed to the merits of the proceeding must be in writing and filed with the Office for entry into the record of the proceeding.” This ensures transparency and maintains a clear record of the proceedings.

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Topics: MPEP 2600 - Optional Inter Partes Reexamination, MPEP 2685 - No Interviews On Merits In Inter Partes Reexamination Proceedings, Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: inter partes reexamination, Patent Communications, USPTO procedures, Written Communications