US ex parte reexamination denial may signal end to post-IPR patent challenges
By Nick Robertson ( May 27, 2026, 14:33 GMT | Comment) -- The shift from inter partes review (IPR) to ex parte reexamination (EPR) at the US Patent and Trademark Office may become more difficult for patent challengers who have already pursued IPR unsuccessfully. A patent examiner Friday denied EPR on discretionary grounds, bringing settled expectations to EPR practice for what is believed to be the first time.The denial of a request for ex parte reexamination (EPR) at the US Patent and Trademark Office Friday on discretionary grounds signals the increased potential for the office's broad discretion over the institution of post-grant patent challenges to impact EPR practice....
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