802.02    Request for Oral Hearing

A party that wishes to have an oral hearing on the case must file a request, by separate submission either via ESTTA or by paper (not as part of its brief on the case), not later than 10 days after the due date for filing the last reply brief in the proceeding. [ Note 1.] Any party to the proceeding may request a hearing.

The Board will issue an order acknowledging receipt of the request and allowing time for submission of several potential dates for the hearing, agreed upon by both parties. The response also should indicate whether either party will attend the oral hearing by video conference. Such information is intended to assist the Board’s Hearings Officer in scheduling the oral hearing. Ordinarily, hearings are scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).

If an oral hearing is not requested, the case will be decided in due course after the due date for filing the last reply brief on the case.

NOTES:

 1.   37 CFR § 2.129(a).