| Track One (Prioritized Examination) | Accelerated Examination (Design Applications Only) | Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) | Ombudsman Program | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Description | The goal is to provide a final disposition within twelve months, on average, of prioritized status being granted. Learn about Track One statistics. | Accelerated examination provides design applicants the opportunity to have final disposition of an application in 12 months. | An international worksharing program providing U.S. applicants an opportunity for faster IP protection globally. In this program, an applicant receiving a ruling from the Office of Earlier Examination (OEE) that at least one claim in an application filed in the OEE is patentable may request that the Office of Later Examination (OLE) fast-track examination of the corresponding claims. Learn about PPH Statistics | The Patents Ombudsman Program enhances the USPTO's ability to assist applicants or their representatives with issues that arise during patent application prosecution. |
| Program Start Date | 09/2011 (AIA) | 08/2006 | Global/IP5 PPH - 2014 (supersedes any existing PPH program) Bilateral - Varies | 04/2010 |
| Currently Active (accepting applications) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Petition / Request | Request | Petition | Global/IP5 PPH - Petition Bilateral PPH - Request | Request |
| Surcharge / Fee | Yes - the petition fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(c). See the USPTO fee schedule for the current amount. | Yes - the petition fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(h). See the USPTO fee schedule for the current amount. | No | No |
| Claim Number Limit(s) | Yes - 4 Indep., no more than 30 claims | 1 | Global/IP5 PPH - No (may file 3 Indep & no more than 20 claims; or may pay excess claim fees for any additional claims). Bilateral PPH - Same | N/A |
| Shortened Prosecution Time | Yes - goal is an average of 12 months to final disposition | Yes - goal is 12 months to final disposition. Non-extendable 1 month response time until final rejection or allowance. | Global/IP5 PPH - Yes (due to earlier FAOM) Bilateral PPH - Yes | N/A |
| Special Status | Until final disposition | Until final disposition | Global/IP5 PPH - Until final disposition Bilateral PPH - Until final disposition | N/A |
| Examination Support Document | No | Yes | No | N/A |
| Shortened / Non-extendable Response Times | Yes ** | Yes | No | N/A |
| Interview Required | No | Yes * | No | N/A |
| Continuing Applications & RCEs Eligible for Program | Yes | Yes, continuing applications including CPAs | Global/IP5 PPH - Yes (only CONs & DIVS before FAOM, not RCEs) Bilateral PPH - Yes | Yes |
| Duration or Application Limit | 20,000 per year | Unlimited, no expiration | Global/IP5 PPH - Unlimited, Indefinite Bilateral PPH - Please check PPH website for latest information on current bilateral agreements with the USPTO | Unlimited, no expiration |
| Status of Program | Pilot | Permanent | Global PPH - extended indefinitely IP5 PPH - expires 1/6/2026 Bilateral PPH - Varies, please check PPH website for latest information on current bilateral agreements with the USPTO | Permanent |
* if claims are in condition for allowance no interview is required
** if extension of time is filed, application is out of Track One