News and Information

Interactive Model

USPTO Launches Interactive Model Predicting Average Patent Pendency Timeframes in Relation to Varying Staffing and Filing Levels

Washington- As part of its ongoing transparency efforts, the Commerce Department’s United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today established an interactive Patent Pendency Model (PPM) on its Web site.

Patent Regulations

USPTO Rescinds Controversial Patent Regulations Package Proposed by Previous Administration

Agency Files Joint Motion with Plaintiff GlaxoSmithKline to Dismiss Lawsuit Related to Regulations Affecting the Ability to Secure Patent Protection for Inventions

WASHINGTON – Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO David Kappos has signed a new Final Rule rescinding highly controversial regulations, proposed by the previous administration, that patent applicants felt unduly restricted their capacity to protect intellectual property. The regulations, which addressed the number of continuation applications as well as the number of claims that could be included within each application, were published in the Federal Register in August 2007, but were enjoined and never came into effect.

USPTO Pilot Program

USPTO Expands Pilot Program to Reduce Pendency and Improve Patent Quality

First Action Interview Pilot enhances information exchange between applicant and examiner and promotes early resolution of outstanding issues

Washington – The Commerce Department's United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced that it is expanding its First Action Interview Pilot Program in which an applicant is entitled to an interview with the patent examiner prior to the first office action on the merits in a new utility application. The program will expand to additional technology areas for a six-month period beginning on October 1, 2009. The initial pilot program was limited to two computer-related technology areas.