Discontinuation of the Accelerated Examination Program for Utility Applications
uspto-patent · US Patent and Trademark Office · Published 2025-06-10 · Effective 2025-07-10 · 90 FR 24324
Document
Document number
2025-10498
Federal Register citation
90 FR 24324
CFR reference
37 CFR 1
Type
Rule
Action
Final rule.
Category
uspto-patent
Sub-agency
US Patent and Trademark Office
Publication date
2025-06-10
Effective date
2025-07-10
Commerce docket
Docket No. PTO-P-2025-0007
Abstract
In order to efficiently allocate examination-related resources to address pendency, and in view of the low number of requests for Accelerated Examination and the availability of a statutory program to expedite the prosecution of applications (Track One, prioritized examination), the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is discontinuing the Accelerated Examination program for utility applications. The USPTO is also modifying the rules of practice to clarify the grounds for which a petition to make special may be granted and when a fee is required for such petition.