# Most third-party reexams end with changed claims.

Of 8,927 ex parte reexaminations requested by third parties that ended in a certificate, through September 2025, 61.0% changed the claims. 22.9% confirmed every claim, and 16.1% canceled every claim.

Sources checked October 16, 2026

**61.0%** of third-party reexam certificates changed the claims. Changed is not the same as lost.

## Before you read

When a third-party ex parte reexamination ends in a certificate, what is the most common result?

- Every claim confirmed
- Every claim canceled
- Claims changed

Claims changed, in 61.0% of 8,927 certificates. Every claim was confirmed in 22.9% and canceled in 16.1%.

## What the certificates say

A reexamination ends with a certificate that confirms, cancels or changes the claims. The USPTO has tallied every one since the procedure began in 1981. USPTO filing data, Sept 30, 2025

## Changed isn’t lost

Owners who request their own reexamination see a similar pattern: of 4,025 certificates, 68.4% changed the claims, 21.3% confirmed them all and 10.3% canceled them all. USPTO filing data

## How long it takes

## What it means

## The takeaway

A reexam rarely leaves the claims exactly as they were. Plan for amendment, on either side.

## Related stories

- [Ex parte reexam requests about doubled in FY2026.](https://postgrantproceeding.com/insights/t01-ex-parte-reexam-requests-about-doubled-in-fy2026)
- [Same art, second try: 18 of 63 denials cite § 325(d).](https://postgrantproceeding.com/insights/t09-same-art-second-try)
- [Since April 2026, owners get a say before the reexam order.](https://postgrantproceeding.com/insights/t03-since-april-2026-owners-get-a-say-before-the-reexam-order)

## Sources

- S50. USPTO, Ex Parte Reexamination Filing Data, September 30, 2025. https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ex_parte_historical_stats_.pdf

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