USPTO launches new Streamlined Claim Set Pilot Program to further reduce patent pendency

ALEXANDRIA, VA-To further accelerate reductions of patent pendency and inventory, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced the launch of its Streamlined Claim Set Pilot Program. Under this new initiative, certain pending utility patent applications that have no more than one independent claim and ten total claims may be advanced out of turn for their first Office action. Applicants may bring their applications into compliance with the pilot requirements by filing a preliminary amendment.

"Narrowly crafted claim sets empower examiners to dive deeper, faster," said John A. Squires, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO. "When applicants streamline their claims, they become collaborators in reducing backlog, trading extra claims for expedited feedback, and we gain the bandwidth to resolve more cases more quickly."

Each Technology Center will accept approximately 200 applications into the pilot. To participate, an applicant must ensure their application meets the streamlined claim limits and file a petition to make special on Form PTO/SB/472.

For more information on the USPTO's Streamlined Claim Set Pilot Program, view the Federal Register Notice(link is external).

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