| Patents > Search Colections > MPEP > 2644 Prior Art on Which the Determination Is Based [Added R-2] - 2600 Optional Inter Partes Reexamination |
|
|
|
Go to MPEP - Table of Contents
2644 Prior Art on Which the Determination Is Based [Added R-2] - 2600 Optional Inter Partes Reexamination
2644 Prior Art on Which the Determination Is Based [Added R-2]
The determination of whether or not "a substantial new question of patentability" is present can be based upon any prior art patents or printed publications. 35 U.S.C. 312(a) provides that the determination on a request will be made "with or without consideration of other patents or printed publications," i.e., other than those relied upon in the request. The examiner is not limited in making the determination based on the patents and printed publications relied upon in the request. The examiner can find "a substantial new question of patentability" based upon the prior art patents or printed publications relied upon in the request, a combination of the prior art relied upon in the request and other prior art found elsewhere, or based entirely on different patents or printed publications. The primary source of patents and printed publications used in making the determination are those relied on in the request. For reexamination ordered on or after November 2, 2002, see MPEP § 2642, subsection II.A. for a discussion of "old art." The examiner can also consider any patents and printed publications of record in the patent file from submissions under 37 CFR 1.501 which are in compliance with 37 CFR 1.98 in making the determination. If the examiner believes that additional prior art patents and publications can be readily obtained by searching to supply any deficiencies in the prior art cited in the request, the examiner can perform such an additional search. Such a search should be limited to that area most likely to contain the deficiency of the prior art previously considered and should be made only where there is a reasonable likelihood that prior art can be found to supply any deficiency necessary to "a substantial new question of patentability."
The determination should be made on the claims in effect at the time the determination is made. 37 CFR 1.923.
The Inventors Assistance Center is available to help you on patent matters.Send questions about USPTO programs and services to the USPTO Contact Center (UCC). You can suggest USPTO webpages or material you would like featured on this section by E-mail to the webmaster@uspto.gov. While we cannot promise to accommodate all requests, your suggestions will be considered and may lead to other improvements on the website. |
|
|
Go to MPEP - Table of Contents
=online
business system 
=fees 
=forms
=help 
=laws/regulations 
=definition
(glossary)