This page contains information concerning presenting oral argument for appeals, interferences, and AIA trials conducted by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.
General
- Expansion of Hearing Locations
- Public Admission
- Hearing Protocol
- Oral Advocacy before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board [PDF]
- Hearing Schedules
- Inclement Weather
- Hearing Room Tour Information
- Directions to Alexandria campus
Hearing Rooms are located in Madison East, 9th floor - Directions and Location of Regional Hearing Offices
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Guidance
- Requesting Oral Hearings
- Rescheduling or Canceling an Oral Hearing
- Video and Telephonic Hearings
- Participation from Satellite Offices in Oral Hearings
- Appearance at the Oral Hearing
- Duration of Hearing
- Use of Demonstratives and Exhibits
- Oral Hearing Transcripts
AIA Trials
Appeals
- Request for Oral Hearing Forms for Appeals
Form PTO/AIA/32 (for applications filed on or after September 16, 2012) [PDF]
Form PTO/SB/32 (for applications filed before September 16, 2012) [PDF] - Notice of Oral Hearing Forms
Notice of Hearing for Ex parte Appeal [PDF]
Notice of Hearing for Ex parte Reexamination Appeal [PDF]
Notice of Hearing for Inter partes Reexamination Appeal [PDF] - Responding to a Notice of Oral Hearing for an Appeal [PDF]
Frequently Asked Questions
The following FAQs pertain to oral hearings for PTAB proceedings. These FAQs are provided solely for convenience. None of the statements contained in the FAQs establish, modify, or waive any legal rights, responsibilities, or deadlines.
Can inventors or members of the public listen to oral hearings electronically?
No. The Board currently does not create or provide any electronic recording of oral hearings.
Furthermore, the Board generally does not offer telephonic or audiovisual connections to inventors or the public. While Counsel may participate in oral hearings via a video or telephonic connection, non-participants merely wishing to observe the oral hearing must do so in person.
Can an oral hearing fee be refunded?
Generally, no. Pursuant to 37 CFR § 1.26(a(link is external)), a change of purpose after the payment of a fee, such as when a party desires to withdraw a patent filing for which the fee was paid, including an application, an appeal, or a request for an oral hearing, will not entitle a party to a refund of such fee. The Director may refund any fee paid by mistake or in excess of that required. See 37 CFR § 1.26(a)(link is external).
Board personnel do not address questions regarding fees. All questions pertaining to fees and refunds should be directed to the Technical Support Staff of the Group Art Unit that processed the fee.
I received an Order Denying Oral Hearing. How do I request reconsideration and/or petition this order?
The appellant will need to file a petition under 37 CFR § 41.3(link is external) and the requisite fee under 37 CFR § 41.20(a)(link is external)requesting that the hearing request be accepted. Such petition is due within 14 days from the Order Denying Oral Hearing or other time period set by the Board in writing. See 37 CFR § 41.3(e)(link is external). The Chief Administrative Patent Judge or his/her designee will decide the petition.
Further questions regarding oral hearings should be directed to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board Hearings Clerk, who can be reached at (571) 272-9797.