When can amendments be filed in ex parte reexamination under 35 U.S.C. 257?
In ex parte reexamination ordered under 35 U.S.C. 257, amendments cannot be filed immediately. According to MPEP 2818.01:
“No amendment in an ex parte reexamination proceeding ordered under 35 U.S.C. 257 may be filed until after the mailing of a first Office action on the merits.“
This restriction ensures that the initial examination is based solely on the information provided in the supplemental examination request. After the first Office action, amendments can be filed following the guidance in MPEP § 2250:
“The guidance provided in MPEP § 2250 is applicable to amendments submitted after the first Office action in an ex parte reexamination proceeding resulting from a supplemental examination proceeding.“
It’s important to note that unlike standard ex parte reexamination, the patent owner cannot file an initial statement or amendment before the first Office action in reexamination proceedings ordered under 35 U.S.C. 257.
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