Claim Slimly, Move Swiftly: USPTO Launches Streamlined Claim Set Pilot

Overview

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is launching the Streamlined Claim Set Pilot Program (the pilot program) to evaluate whether limiting claim number and format can reduce pendency and improve examination quality. Accepted applications will be advanced out of turn for the first Office Action only. The pilot program began on October 27 and is expected to run either until October 27, 2026, or until approximately 200 applications per USPTO Technology Center are accepted. The USPTO may end the pilot program earlier based on capacity or participation. The USPTO will publish aggregate participation data and evaluate impacts on pendency and examination quality.