07.24.12
USPTO Extends First Action Interview Pilot Program
On July 9, the USPTO announced that it is extending the First Action Interview Pilot Program, an initiative expediting disposition of a patent application by enhancing communication between the applicant and the USPTO patent examiner at the beginning of the examination process. The program allows an applicant to have an interview with the USPTO patent examiner prior to the USPTO issuing a first office action on the merits in a new patent application. The USPTO believes that this early communication with the applicanteducates the USPTO patent examiner on the essence of the invention, while the USPTO patent examiner can address issues and discuss the prior art with the applicant before work begins on a first office action.
During the extension period, the USPTO will conduct a comprehensive review of theprogram to determine if any adjustments are needed and whether to further extend the program or make it permanent. Medtech companies should take advantage of the First Action Interview Pilot Program, which can result in patent applications issuing as patents much more quickly.
On July 9, the USPTO announced that it is extending the First Action Interview Pilot Program, an initiative expediting disposition of a patent application by enhancing communication between the applicant and the USPTO patent examiner at the beginning of the examination process. The program allows an applicant to have an interview with the USPTO patent examiner prior to the USPTO issuing a first office action on the merits in a new patent application. The USPTO believes that this early communication with the applicanteducates the USPTO patent examiner on the essence of the invention, while the USPTO patent examiner can address issues and discuss the prior art with the applicant before work begins on a first office action.
During the extension period, the USPTO will conduct a comprehensive review of theprogram to determine if any adjustments are needed and whether to further extend the program or make it permanent. Medtech companies should take advantage of the First Action Interview Pilot Program, which can result in patent applications issuing as patents much more quickly.