USPTO First Action Interview Pilot Program Redux

This article, by Brussels managing partner Anthony Tridico and student associate Erin Sommers, of Finnegan, explains why the Enhanced First Action Interview Program (EFAIPP), a program that provides benefits to patent applicants, may be your ticket to a first action allowance. Tridico and Sommers explain how the new upgrade offers applications and the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) the opportunity to resolve issues of patentability early in the examination of an application, which can expedite prosecution and reduce backlog. And, the authors state, the USPTO is considering extending this programme to all applications. The article goes into detail about what to expect when entering the program, including timelines, requirements, as well as potential detours.