I believe In regard to Handal acceptance by PTAB/IPR for backup counsel , lack of denial so far by the board is in favor of his credential and acceptance of his petition.
"only a single lead counsel and single back-up counsel is allowed in any Inter Partes Review proceeding."
In regard to timig of response for accepting IPR review ,we may hear
by Dec or Mid January re this decision. JMO
“The preliminary proceeding begins upon filing of the petition. Three months thereafter the Patent Owner has the opportunity to file a preliminary response. Once this response is entered, the USPTO has three months, by statute, to Order trial. As can be appreciated this "front end" or preliminary proceeding can span a maximumn of 6 months. Of the 34 trials Orders issued to date, the average time is hovering right around the 5 month mark.”
