The USPTO's Accelerated Examination Program Discontinued

The United States Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, has announced that it will discontinue the Accelerated Examination Program for utility patents on July 10, 2025. This program, which has been in place for several years, allowed applicants to expedite the examination process for their patents. But why is it being discontinued, and what does this mean for patent applicants? 

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About the author

• Steven J. French

Transcript

Welcome to Womble Perspectives, where we explore a wide range of topics, from the latest legal updates to industry trends to the business of law. Our team of lawyers, professionals and occasional outside guests will take you through the most pressing issues facing businesses today and provide practical and actionable advice to help you navigate the ever changing legal landscape.

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In today’s episode, we're discussing a significant change in the world of patents. The United States Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, has announced that it will discontinue the Accelerated Examination Program for utility patents on July 10, 2025. This program, which has been in place for several years, allowed applicants to expedite the examination process for their patents. But why is it being discontinued, and what does this mean for patent applicants? Let's dive in.

The Accelerated Examination Program was introduced to help inventors and businesses get their patents approved more quickly. By providing a faster track for examination, the program aimed to encourage innovation and reduce the backlog of patent applications. However, the program also had its challenges, including higher costs and more stringent requirements for applicants.

The USPTO has decided to discontinue the Accelerated Examination Program for several reasons. One of the main factors is the need to streamline and modernize the patent examination process. The program, while beneficial in some ways, has also been resource-intensive and difficult to manage. By discontinuing it, the USPTO hopes to allocate resources more effectively and improve the overall efficiency of the patent system.

So, what does this mean for those looking to file patents? The discontinuation of the Accelerated Examination Program will undoubtedly impact current and future applicants. Those who were planning to use the program will need to explore alternative options for expedited examination, such as the Track One Prioritized Examination Program. It's important for applicants to stay informed and adapt to these changes to ensure their patent applications are processed smoothly.

Looking ahead, the discontinuation of the Accelerated Examination Program may pave the way for new initiatives and improvements in the patent examination process. The USPTO is likely to introduce new programs that better align with the needs of modern inventors and businesses. We'll be keeping a close eye on these developments and will keep you updated on any new opportunities for expedited patent examination.

While this change may present challenges for some, it also opens the door for new and improved processes in the world of patents. As always, staying informed and adaptable is key. 

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