Before a joint meeting of the Pauline Newman IP American Inn of Court and the Giles S. Rich American Inn of Court, Director Dave Kappos announced that the USPTO has allowed an application under the new Track 1 accelerated examination program. The program was implemented September 26, 2011, which means the application was allowed approximately one month from the initial filing.
Track 1 is part of the three track program established under the America Invents Act and provides for accelerated examination if certain requirements are met and payment of a $4,000 fee is received. The objective of the program is to provide a final disposition on qualifying applications within 12 months of being granted prioritized status.
Director Kappos also indicated that the number of applications accepted under Track 1 may be capped at around 10,000 in order to ensure that a final disposition is provided on each within twelve months. Director Kappos estimated that approximately 1,200 applications have been filed under the program thus far.
Leave a comment