Who can petition for an Expanded Inter Partes Review according to the AIA?

The correct response is that any party other than the patent owner can petition for an Expanded Inter Partes Review (IPR) according to the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA). This provision is designed to enhance the ability of third parties to challenge the validity of a patent.

In an Expanded Inter Partes Review, the aim is to provide a more accessible and efficient way for challengers, such as competitors or interested parties, to contest the validity of a patent before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). The participation of any party other than the patent owner encourages broader participation in the review process and helps ensure that patents remain valid only when they meet the required legal standards.

This framework supports the goals of reducing litigation costs and improving patent quality by allowing a wider range of stakeholders to voice concerns about patents that may impact their business interests or technological field. The emphasis on non-patent owners as petitioners helps create a balanced system where patent rights can be reconsidered based on collaborative input rather than being solely defensive or reactive from the patent owner's perspective.

The other options are not aligned with the provisions of the AIA, as they restrict participation to certain groups or individuals who do not have the standing to file such a petition