Need to FAST track your patent? Use Track One!
Effective September 24, 2021, the limit on the number of prioritized examination requests that may be accepted in a fiscal year is increased from 12,000 to 15,000.
Fast innovation is America's competitive edge. If you need to move your ideas quickly, USPTO's Track One prioritized examination will allow you to get a final disposition within about twelve months. The USPTO offers Track One for prioritized examination of your utility and plant patent applications. Track One gives your application special status with fewer requirements than the current accelerated examination program and without having to perform a pre-examination search.
Prioritized examination is available for a fee at the time of filing an original utility or plant application. A single request for prioritized examination may be granted for a Request for Continued Examination (RCE) in a plant or utility application.
Thousands of applicants have used Track One already. Join them on the prioritized examination FAST track!
What are users saying about Track One!
Statistics for prioritized examination are reported below.
- Prioritized Examination Request Form PTO\AIA\424
- Patent Center Quick Start Guide for Track One Prioritized Examination (September 2024)
- Changes to Permit Delayed Submission of Certain Requirements for Prioritized Examination Interim Rule (79 Fed. Reg. 12386, March 5, 2014)
- Prioritized Examination (Track One) Final Rule (76 Fed. Reg. 59050, September 23, 2011)
- Prioritized Examination (RCE) Final Rule (76 Fed. Reg. 78566, December 19, 2011)
- Prioritized Examination Frequently Asked Questions
- Prioritized Examination Increase in Annual Limit to 12,000 Accepted Requests Interim Rule (84 Fed. Reg. 45907, September 3, 2019)
- 2021 Increase of the Annual Limit on Accepted Requests for Track One Prioritized Examination (86 Fed. Reg. 52988, September 24, 2021)
Up-to-date statistics for Track One can be found on the USPTO Dashboard.