USPTO Launches COVID-19 Prioritized Examination Pilot Program
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced this month the COVID-19 Prioritized Examination Pilot Program, which permits COVID-19-related applications filed by small and micro entities to be put on a fast track for patent examination. The USPTO will accept requests for prioritized examination of up to 500 qualifying patent applications without requiring payment of certain fees associated with prioritized examination; and will advance, out of turn, certain patent applications related to COVID-19 for examination, resulting in their prioritized examination. The goal of the USPTO is to provide final disposition of these patent applications within one year or less after it grants prioritized status.
For more information about the program, please visit the USPTO web site.
