### Question
How is the "informal hearing" defined?


### Answer
The term **informal hearing** is defined in *35 U.S.C. § 156* as follows -

> prescribed for such term by section 201(y) [3](#156_3_target) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

#### Citation:
  - *35 U.S.C. § 156*
  - Heading: **PART II-PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS > CHAPTER 14-ISSUE OF PATENT**

