The USPTO is extending the Fast-Track Appeals Pilot Program until July 2, 2022. Initiated on July 2, 2020, the Fast-Track Appeals Pilot Program provides for the advancement of applications out of their turn in the ex parte appeals phase of patent prosecution before the PTAB. The Fast-Track Appeals Pilot Program permits an appellant who has filed an ex parte appeal and received a notice that the appeal has been docketed to file a petition to expedite the review of the appeal. The Fast-Track Appeals Pilot Program sets a target of reaching a decision on an ex parte appeal within six months from the date that the appeal is entered into the program.
The Federal Register Notice is available here.
by Element IP
Element IP is a premier boutique intellectual property law firm. Created specifically to service the needs of users of the US patent system, our firm combines extensive experience in patent procurement, counselling, licensing, post-grant proceedings, and litigation with innovative technology and staffing solutions to provide clients with high quality work product in a cost-effective and efficient manner.