“Special” Patent Update: USPTO Launches Pilot Program for Streamlined Claim Sets

There is something new to make your patent applications “special.” The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) just launched the “Streamlined Claim Set Pilot Program” allowing eligible pending applications to be “made special” — that is, advanced out of turn — for the purposes of receiving a first office action. Over the next year, the USPTO will test improving patent application examination efficiency and quality by accelerating certain applications if they have limited patent claims….
By: Bracewell LLP