When is an ex parte reexamination ordered after supplemental examination?
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.
An ex parte reexamination is ordered after supplemental examination when the supplemental examination certificate indicates that a Substantial New Question of patentability (SNQ) is raised. According to MPEP 2818:
“If the supplemental examination certificate indicates that a SNQ is raised, ex parte reexamination of the patent will be ordered under 35 U.S.C. 257.”
This reexamination is conducted under existing rules, with two key exceptions: the patent owner cannot file a statement, and the Office addresses each SNQ regardless of whether it’s raised by a patent or printed publication.