The USPTO announced the following relief in AIA trial
proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board
(“PTAB”) pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Economic Security Act (CARES Act) signed on March 27, 2020:
(a) Upon a request stating that a filing due between March 27,
2020 and April 30, 2020 was or may be delayed due to the
coronavirus outbreak, the PTAB shall provide a 30-day extension
for:
i. A request for rehearing under 37
C.F.R. §§ 41.125(c), 41.127(d), or 42.71(d);
ii. A petition to the Chief Judge
under 37 C.F.R. § 41.3; or
iii. A patent owner preliminary
response under 37 C.F.R. §§ 42.107 or 42.207, or any
related responsive filings.
(b) If an extension under (a)(iii)
is granted, the PTAB may also extend the deadlines provided in 35
U.S.C. §§ 314(b) and 324(c).