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2245 Processing of Decision [R-5] - 2200 Citation of Prior Art and Ex Parte Reexamination of Patents

2245 Processing of Decision [R-5]

After the examiner has prepared the decision and proofread and signed the typed version, the reexamination file and decision are given to the **>Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) Legal Instrument Examiner (LIE)< for coordinating the clerical processing carried out by the technical support staff.

The technical support staff then prints the heading on the decision by using the computer terminal. If the request was made by a third party, the technical support staff makes copies for both the patent owner and the requester of any prior art documents not already supplied by or to the patent owner or requester. If the patent owner filed the request, only a patent owner copy is required.

A copy of the decision is then mailed to the patent owner and to any third party, along with any required copies of prior art documents. The original signed copy of the decision and a copy of any prior art enclosed is made of record in the reexamination electronic file (file history).

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