42.23 Oppositions, replies, and sur-replies.

• (a) Oppositions, replies, and sur-replies must comply with the content requirements for motions and, if the paper to which the opposition, reply, or sur-reply is responding contains a statement of material fact, must include a listing of facts that are admitted, denied, or cannot be admitted or denied. Any material fact not specifically denied may be considered admitted.
• (b) All arguments for the relief requested in a motion must be made in the motion. A reply may only respond to arguments raised in the corresponding opposition, patent owner preliminary response, patent owner response, or decision on institution. A sur-reply may only respond to arguments raised in the corresponding reply and may not be accompanied by new evidence other than deposition transcripts of the cross-examination of any reply witness.

[Added, 77 FR 48612, Aug. 14, 2012, effective Sept. 16, 2012; para. (a) first sentence revised, 80 FR 28561, May 19, 2015, effective May 19, 2015; para. (b) revised, 81 FR 18750, Apr. 1, 2016, effective May 2, 2016; revised, 85 FR 79120, Dec. 9, 2020, effective Jan. 8, 2021]