Opportunity
Federal Register #PTO-P-2020-0027
USPTO Fast-Track Appeals Pilot Program Extension and Modification
Buyer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Posted
May 06, 2026
Identifier
PTO-P-2020-0027
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced an extension and modification to its Fast-Track Appeals Pilot Program for ex parte appeals before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). - Government Buyer: - United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce - Program Details: - Fast-Track Appeals Pilot Program extended and modified - Appellants with docketed ex parte appeals before the PTAB may file a petition to expedite review - Target decision time reduced from six months to four months - Limit of 125 granted petitions per quarter, with flexibility for PTAB to accept more as needed - Notable Requirements: - No products or services are being procured; this is a procedural program notice - Designed to facilitate faster patentability determinations and support innovation - OEMs and Vendors: - No OEMs or vendors are mentioned, as this is not a procurement opportunity
Description
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is extending the Fast-Track Appeals Pilot Program, which allows appellants with a docketed ex parte appeal before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) to file a petition to expedite review. The program aims to reduce the target decision time from six months to four months from the date the appeal enters the program. This extension continues the program until May 6, 2028, maintaining a limit of 125 granted petitions per quarter to ensure timely resolution of appeals. The program facilitates faster patentability determinations, supporting innovation and economic growth.