710.04 Two Periods Running [R-08.2012]

There sometimes arises a situation where two different periods for reply are running against an application, the one limited by the regular statutory period, the other by the limited period set in a subsequent Office action. The running of the first period is not suspended nor affected by an ex parte limited time action or even by an appeal therefrom. For an exception involving suggested claims, see MPEP Chapter 2300.