What is ex parte reexamination at USPTO?

Quick, one-sided USPTO review of patent validity on prior art. No patent owner input during exam—hence 'ex parte.' Cheaper than IPR, endless appeals possible.

How does IPR estoppel work with reexams?

Post-IPR FWD, can't raise grounds you knew or shoulda known in district court or IPRs. Reexams? Loophole if filed pre-FWD—argue estoppel doesn't bite yet.

Will USPTO SNQ changes stop reexam abuse?

Nope. Targets weak SNQ, not repackaged IPR art. Real fix needs estoppel overhaul or filing bans on parallel plays.

©️ IP & Copyright

Western Digital's Last-Minute Patent Dodge Exposes USPTO's Reexam Loophole

Picture this: a final PTAB decision looming, claims holding firm. Then, bam—ex parte reexam filed 48 hours after a related loss. Welcome to patent warfare's latest cheat code.

theAIcatchup Apr 07, 2026 3 min read

USPTO PTAB hearing room with patent documents and gavel

⚡ Key Takeaways

USPTO's SNQ procedure ignores core IPR-to-reexam abuse. 𝕏
Western Digital's 48-hour filing exemplifies estoppel dodging. 𝕏
Without broader reforms, patent wins stay provisional. 𝕏

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theAIcatchup

Where law meets technology.

#IPR estoppel #PTAB #PTAB IPR estoppel #PTAB abuse #USPTO #USPTO SNQ #USPTO reexamination #Western Digital IP Bridge #ex parte reexamination #patent abuse tactics #patent gaming

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Originally reported by IPWatchdog

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