Who processes reexamination requests in the USPTO?
Reexamination requests are processed by designated personnel in the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) or Technology Centers (TCs). According to MPEP 2233:
“The working groups in the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) or Technology Centers (TCs) have designated the legal instrument examiners and paralegals to act as reexamination clerks, as part of their assigned duties, and thus to perform those clerical duties and responsibilities in the groups which are unique to reexamination.“
Additionally, TC Quality Assurance Specialists (QASs) or CRU Supervisory Patent Reexamination Specialists (SPRSs) and CRU Paralegal Specialists oversee the clerical processing and serve as resources for questions.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2200 - Citation Of Prior Art And Ex Parte Reexamination Of Patents,
MPEP 2233 - Processing In Central Reexamination Unit And Technology Center,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure