Definition
Reexamination is a USPTO procedure in which the office reconsiders the validity of an issued patent in light of prior art raising a substantial new question of patentability.
Why It Matters Legally
Reexamination provides another path to challenge or strengthen a patent outside court. Owners sometimes use it to reinforce a patent before litigation, while challengers use it to attack questionable claims.
Example Use Case
A defendant requests reexamination of the asserted patent, hoping the USPTO will cancel or narrow the claims based on newly found prior art.
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Related Terms
Inter Partes Review, Post-Grant Review, Prior Art, Patent Validity