Should Cos. Use USPTO’s New Fast-Track Appeals Program?

Joe Adamczyk, Anita Choi, and Michael Ward authored an article for Law360 covering the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) decision to begin accepting petitions for the fast-track appeals pilot program, a new program aimed at shaving off time during ex parte appeal.

“Appeals entered into the pilot program will be evaluated much like traditional appeals and will have the same optional benefit of an oral hearing,” the authors wrote. “However, hearings in the fast-track program may not be rescheduled. Any applicant-caused delay during the pendency of the fast-tracked appeal will also result in removal of the appeal from the program.”

Read the full article.