By Godson Umejiego, Bureau Chief, The Americas
To lower a barrier to intellectual property (IP) protection and reinforce our commitment to providing the best and most accessible IP system in the world, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) seeks public comments on a proposed Track Three Pilot Programme. The programme would permit micro entity applicants to delay payment of search and examination fees for 30 months from the earliest filing date claimed, under certain conditions.
“The Track Three Pilot Programme was born out of discussions with inventors across our country,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, Kathi Vidal. “We seek feedback on how this programme can best support inventors to reduce their upfront costs, and give them the time to explore funding and commercialization before expending fees on patenting. In combination with our new First-Time Filer Expedited Examination Pilot Programme, this will give inventors the options to meet their needs.”
In the proposed programme, the USPTO is exploring permitting micro entity applicants, under certain conditions, to obtain a pre-examination search report prior to the examination fee deadline. The report would provide applicants with additional information as they consider the value and the commercial potential of their inventions.
For inventors who want to move more quickly through the patenting process, the USPTO offers a number of options.
You must submit your comments on the proposed program by Tuesday, July 25 through the Federal eRulemaking Portal.
