What types of petitions can be filed with the Director of the USPTO?

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 USPTO allows for several types of petitions to be filed with the Director:

• Petitions under 37 CFR 1.181: General petitions to the Director
• Petitions under 37 CFR 1.182: For questions not specifically provided for in the regulations
• Petitions under 37 CFR 1.183: For suspension of rules in extraordinary situations

It’s important to note that “Petitions on appealable matters ordinarily are not entertained.” (MPEP § 1201)