USPTO announces priority examination for COVID-19 related patents held by small and micro entities

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office announced a new Prioritized Examination Pilot Program for qualifying applications and applicants.

The Pilot Program is available for applicants who qualify as small or micro entities and applications that include claims covering a product or process subject to U.S. FDA approval for use in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19.

Under the Pilot Program, the USPTO will work to reach final disposition of qualifying applications within six months. To take advantage of such accelerated examination, applicants must, in turn, respond promptly to communications from the USPTO.

Most importantly, there is no cost to apply for the Prioritized Examination Pilot Program. This program can save an applicant significant fees if the applicant is eligible.

For more information, please contact one of the attorneys listed below.