541.02    Motion For Additional Time For Oral Argument

Ordinarily, each party in a Board inter partes proceeding is allowed 30 minutes for its oral arguments. If it so desires, the plaintiff may reserve part of its 30 minutes for rebuttal. [ Note 1.] See TBMP § 802.05. If, because of the novelty or complexity of the issues, the extent of the record, the presence of a counterclaim involving different issues than those involved in the original proceeding, etc., a party feels that it needs more than 30 minutes for oral argument, it may file a request with the Board for additional time. [ Note 2.] Parties will note, however, that such motions are disfavored.

If the request is granted, each party will be allowed the same amount of time for oral argument. In addition, the panel hearing the oral argument may, during the course thereof, sua sponte extend the parties’ time to present their arguments.

Ideally, a request for additional time should be included with the request for oral hearing. If a party determines after that time that it needs additional time for oral argument, the party should immediately call the Board and notify the Board that it intends to file a request for additional time. This early notification is necessary to ensure that there will be time in the Board’s hearing schedule for an extended oral hearing, and also to ensure that the request will be considered and determined prior to the date of the oral hearing. Cf. TBMP § 541.01.

NOTES:

 1.   See 37 C.F.R. § 2.129(a).

 2.   See 37 C.F.R. § 2.129(a); U.S. Navy v. United States Manufacturing Co., 2 USPQ2d 1254, 1225 (TTAB 1987) (additional time for arguments allowed in view of voluminous record). Cf. 37 C.F.R. § 2.128(b).