When did supplemental examination become available?
Supplemental examination became available on September 16, 2012. This new procedure was introduced as part of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA). The MPEP states:
“Supplemental examination became available on September 16, 2012, as a result of new section 257 of Title 35, United States Code, which was added by Public Law 112-29, enacted on September 16, 2011, known as the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA).”
The rules of practice for supplemental examination were officially promulgated on August 14, 2012, and published in the Federal Register at 77 Fed. Reg. 48828-48853.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2800 - Supplemental Examination,
MPEP 2801 - Introduction,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure