What is the maximum number of items that can be included in a request for supplemental examination?

The maximum number of items that can be included in a request for supplemental examination is indeed 12. Supplemental examination is a process that allows a patent owner to request that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) consider, reconsider, or correct information believed to be relevant to the patent. The purpose of this process is to ensure that the patent remains valid and enforceable, particularly in view of new information that may have surfaced after the original examination.

According to the regulations set forth by the USPTO, when filing a request for supplemental examination, the patent owner can provide up to 12 items that they believe may impact the patent's validity. This can include patents, publications, or other types of prior art that were not previously considered. By allowing up to 12 items, the USPTO gives patent owners a reasonable scope to address multiple aspects of their patent without overwhelming the examination process.

This limit is important for maintaining efficiency in the examination process and ensuring that patents are assessed based on the most relevant and substantial information available. An understanding of this limit is critical for patent practitioners and owners as they navigate the supplemental examination process. The specific number of items (12) adheres to the established guidelines and reflects the USPTO's intention to streamline the