We will address the PTAB’s updated Standard Operating Procedures in greater depth in a future issue of this newsletter. Meanwhile, we want our readers to be aware of two important revisions to the PTAB Standard Operating Procedures as follows:
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Revised SOP1 – Assignment of Judges
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Explains panel assignment and reassignment practices
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Explains process for expanding panels, with the approval of the director
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Revised SOP2 – Precedential and Informative Decisions
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Creates Precedential Order Panel
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Will rehear matters in PTAB trials and appeals deemed to be of exceptional importance
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Will assist the director in determining when to designate a decision precedential or informative–expect more precedential decisions
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Expected to replace the practice of expanded panel rehearing
