The US Patent and Trade Mark Office (USPTO) has launched
a pilot program which provides fast tracked/prioritised examination
for up to 500 US patent applications covering products or processes
which are related to COVID-19 and subject to an applicable FDA
approval.
This means that eligible applicants may be able to fast-track
USPTO examination of a US non-provisional patent application for a
significant cost and time saving. For example, for small entities,
the usual USD2,000 official fee for fast-tracking an application is
being waived. Current fast-tracked applications are typically
examined within around 60-days vs around 18-months for non-fast
tracked applications.
A US patent application may be used as a basis for further
patent applications in other countries, if filed within certain
time limits.
