For more than a decade, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has been
criticized for long delays in the processing of patent applications and
for issues around patent quality. Both can have negative impacts on
innovation, as the USPTO recognized in a recent White
Paper.
To address these problems, USPTO has done some innovating of its own. Director David Kappos announced a proposal earlier this month that grapples with the backlog issue and offers an opportunity for applicants to work with the Office to assign priority to pending applications. The “Three-Track” proposal would enable applicants, when they file, to request expedited review under Track I or delayed examination under Track III. Applicants that do not request either option would have their applications processed under current procedures (Track II). We applaud the creative thinking and leadership behind the Three Track initiative. If carefully implemented, it will have real benefits for innovators of all sizes, from companies like Microsoft to small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as individual inventors and universities.
To read the full, original article click on this link: Innovation at the U.S. Patent Office: Director Kappos Three-Track Examination Proposal | R&D Mag
Author: Horacio Gutierrez
