There are two separate extension sections. The other would give a diligent applicant a day for day extension for any time period that is longer than three years that the PTO took to issue a patent. The purposes of this Title are twofold. The consequences for smaller companies victimized by this practice can be catastrophic. It would require the publication of patent applications 18 months after filing if the application is also being filed abroad in a foreign country that requires publication of applications 18 months after filing.
Present law keeps patent applications secret until a patent issues.
This is a compromise provision. This Title would reform the reexamination process. It would give third party requesters greater opportunities to participate in patent reexamination proceedings. It would also encourage third party requesters to utilize the reexamination proceedings, rather than the slower and more expensive U.S. District Court proceedings. This section is controversial.