RECENT PROCEDURES INTRODUCED TO CHALLENGE PATENT GRANTS AT THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

摘要

Over the past 30 years, Congress has become increasingly aware of the desire by third parties to participate in post grant review of patents. One of the more recent avenues introduced to address the desire of the public to participate in the patent review process was the institution of inter partes reexamination in 1999. While not initially utilized, inter partes reexamination has emerged as an alternative means for third parties to obtain post grant review of an issued patent.