On May 5, 2011 the United States Patent Office (USPTO) will begin the implementation of new rules for prioritizing patent examination. Under Track One, the patent office will expedite the examination of Patents, within twelve (12) months for an additional $4,000 payment. Small entities will receive a 50% discount on the expedited examination fee.
It currently takes between three to five years, on average, before review of a patent application occurs. Track One is part of a new Three-Track examination system, which will allow patent applicants to decide how quickly their patent application is examined. Under Track Two, patent applicants will receive traditional examination procedures and Track Three will allow the patent applicants to obtain a delay of up to thirty (30) months. Track Three is expected to roll-out by September 30, 2011.
If you have any questions related to the expedited patent examination rules, feel free to contact on of our Patent Attorneys.