The Need for Speed: The USPTO's New Prioritized Patent Examination

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has answered the call from patent applicants in need of speedy patent examination. On April 4, 2011, the Office issued a final rule providing for prioritized examination with a goal of twelve months to final disposition (e.g., allowance, final rejection, etc.). The cost for such speed comes at a heavy price though—an additional $4,000 government fee. For further details of the program click here.