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2624 Correspondence [Added R-2] - 2600 Optional Inter Partes Reexamination
2624 Correspondence [Added R-2]
All requests to initiate an inter partes reexamination proceeding should be marked "Mail Stop Inter Partes Reexam" on the face of the outer envelope. Such mail will be sorted out immediately and processed by the reexamination preprocessing staff of the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU).
The use of "Mail Stop Inter Partes Reexam" is not limited to the filing of the original request for inter partes reexamination. Subsequent inter partes reexamination correspondence should also be marked "Mail Stop Inter Partes Reexam," and such subsequent correspondence will be directed to the CRU, which processes all inter partes reexamination incoming mail.
See MPEP § 2224 for use of "Mail Stop Ex Parte Reexam" for requests for ex parte reexamination, but not for subsequent ex parte reexamination correspondence.
A request for inter partes reexamination may not be sent by facsimile transmission. See 37 CFR 1.6(d)(5). Facsimile transmission may, however, be used for filing later submissions.
After the filing of the request for inter partes reexamination, any letters sent to the Office relating to the reexamination proceeding should identify the proceeding by the number of the patent undergoing reexamination, the reexamination request control number assigned, the name of the examiner, and the examiner's Art Unit. The certificate of mailing or transmission procedures (37 CFR 1.8) and "Express Mail" procedure (37 CFR 1.10) may be used to file any paper in the existing inter partes reexamination proceeding.
Communications from the Office to the patent owner will be directed to the first named, most recent attorney or agent of record in the patent file at the current address on the Office's register of patent attorneys and agents, or to the patent owner's address if no attorney or agent is of record, 37 CFR 1.33(c).
Amendments and other papers filed on behalf of patent owners must be signed by the patent owners, or the registered attorney or agent of record in the patent file, or any registered attorney or agent acting in a representative capacity under 37 CFR 1.34(a).
Double correspondence with the patent owners and the attorney or agent normally will not be undertaken by the Office.
Where no correspondence address is otherwise specified, correspondence will be with the most recent attorney or agent made of record by the patent owner.
Note MPEP § 2620 for certificate of service.
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