USPTO Expanding Fast-Track Program For Cleantech Patents

On June 6, 2023, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) expanded its Climate Change Mitigation Pilot Program ("Program") to broaden the scope of eligible subject matter and to reduce restrictions on repeat users. The Program has also been extended until the earlier of June 7, 2027, and the date on which USPTO accepts 4,000 patent applications under the Program.

The USPTO first introduced the Program on June 3, 2022, in an effort to promote climate-friendly research and development. The initial phase of the Program was focused on accelerating the examination of patent applications directed to innovations that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Qualifying patent applications were eligible for expedited examination without additional fees and without some of the procedural requirements associated with other expedited examination options. Entry into the Program was capped at 4 applications for each inventor or co-inventor.