⚖️Eliminating Expedited Examination of Design Applications
Eliminating Expedited Examination of Design Applications
Summary
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) previously suspended expedited examination of design applications effective April 17, 2025. Further to the suspension, the USPTO hereby amends the Rules of Practice in Patent Cases by removing the provisions in the Code of Federal Regulations that provide for expedited examination of design applications. The removal of those regulations supports the USPTO's efforts to reduce the pendency of unexamined design applications, which will benefit all design patent applicants. The removal also facilitates the USPTO's efforts to address the problem of erroneous micro entity certifications, as well as the USPTO's broader efforts to mitigate and protect against threats to the intellectual property system.
Agencies
- Commerce Department
- Patent and Trademark Office
Business Impact
$$ - Med
The rule eliminates expedited examination of design applications, affecting patent applicants and potentially increasing overall pendency times, which may impede businesses seeking timely protection of their intellectual property. This impacts compliance with new regulatory requirements and operational timelines.