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ARTICLE · 29 OCTOBER 2025

The New USPTO Streamlined Claim Set Pilot Program: A Possible Fast-Track To Issued Patents

Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP
Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP
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On October 24, the United States Patent Office (USPTO) announced a new pilot program aimed at reducing the backlog of unexamined non-continuing, non-national stage...

United StatesIntellectual Property
Lionel Lavenue
Lionel Lavenue
Joseph Myles
Joseph Myles
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On October 24, the United States Patent Office (USPTO) announced a new pilot program aimed at reducing the backlog of unexamined non-continuing, non-national stage, and non-reissue applications, known as the USPTO Streamlined Claim Set Pilot Program.

Under this brand new program from the USPTO, for 12 months after publication in the Federal Register (currently scheduled for October 27) or until each Technology Center accepts at least approximately 200 applications under the program, the PTO will accept a petition to make special and $150 fee ($60 for a small entity) to advance prosecution of certain patent applications. The petition will cause the application to be examined out of turn for the first Office Action – thus, faster examination and possibly a faster patent.

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