August 17, 2016
Authored and Edited by Amanda K. Murphy, Ph.D.; Stephanie M. Sanders
In its August 16th Notice identifying a number of updates to the accelerated examination (AE) program, the USPTO announced that it also plans to seek public input on whether it should continue to offer the AE program at all. Under the AE program, which was implemented in 2006, an application will be advanced out of turn for examination if the applicant files a petition to make special with an appropriate showing. This showing requires the applicant to meet several conditions, including: (1) conducing a pre-examination search; (2) providing an accelerated examination support document (AESD); and (3) ensuring the application is complete under 37 C.F.R. § 1.51 at the time of filing. Citing the relatively low usage of the AE program since the implementation of Track I (the Notice reports that the USPTO has received fewer than 200 AE requests annually since 2011), the USPTO indicated that it plans to publish a request for comments on whether there is any value in retaining the AE program in view of the more popular Track I program.
The Notice also announced a number of updates to the AE program to reflect the changes in the law and examination practice that accompanied the America Invents Act (AIA), the Patent Law Treaties Implementation Act implementing the provisions of the Patent Law Treaty, and the USPTO’s adoption of the Cooperative Patent Classification System (CPC). These amendments:
Visit the USPTO's website for more information on the accelerated examination program.
Copyright © 2016 Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP.
DISCLAIMER: Although we wish to hear from you, information exchanged in this blog cannot and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not post any information that you consider to be personal or confidential. If you wish for Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP to consider representing you, in order to establish an attorney-client relationship you must first enter a written representation agreement with Finnegan. Contact us for additional information. One of our lawyers will be happy to discuss the possibility of representation with you. Additional disclaimer information.
Lecture
Patent Protection for Software-Related Inventions in Europe and the USA Training Course
June 5, 2024
Hybrid
Conference
Best Practices in Intellectual Property– A Decade of Dedication to IP Excellence
April 8-9, 2024
Tel Aviv
INCONTESTABLE® Blog
Winning the Battle but Not the War: Disclaimer Requirement Overturned, Section 2(d) Objection Upheld
March 28, 2024
INCONTESTABLE® Blog
The Federal Circuit’s Heartfelt Affirmation of Everybody’s Right to Use “Everybody vs. Racism”
March 22, 2024
Due to international data regulations, we’ve updated our privacy policy. Click here to read our privacy policy in full.
We use cookies on this website to provide you with the best user experience. By accepting cookies, you agree to our use of cookies. Please note that if you opt not to accept or if you disable cookies, the “Your Finnegan” feature on this website will be disabled as well. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our Privacy Policy.
Finnegan is thrilled to announce the launch of our new blog, Ad Law Buzz, devoted solely to breaking news, developments, trends, and analysis in advertising law.