Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and settlement

The Board encourages parties to consider alternative dispute resolution to settle issues raised in proceedings. Read more about ADR and a list of organizations that offer alternative dispute resolution services.

Accelerated Case Resolution (ACR)

What is ACR?

Parties to Board inter partes proceedings may stipulate to pretrial final disposition on the merits of inter partes cases via Accelerated Case Resolution (ACR). ACR expands upon earlier Board practice allowing parties to stipulate that their summary judgment motions and accompanying evidence be treated as the final record and briefs in a case.

Who can use this option?

ACR is available in all inter partes proceedings.

Resources

Read TTAB's ACR notice or Frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Suggestions

Make suggestions or other comments about ACR using ACRsuggestions@uspto.gov.

Settlement

Settlement discussions usually result in a withdrawal of the proceeding or subject application or registration or, an amendment to the subject application or registration. From the ESTTA filing webpage, use the File Documents in a Board Proceeding->General Filings->Settlement/termination option in ESTTA to submit your filings and they will be routed to the appropriate staff member for consideration. The Filing a submission in an existing proceeding webpage has more information about Options under: Settlement/termination.

If you are discussing settlement and need to extend the time to file an answer, take or respond to discovery, or trial and briefing dates, select the Consent Motion option under File Documents in a Board proceeding. Using this option provides a seamless integration with Board proceeding records and usually results in an order granting the extension automatically. See the Filing a submission in an existing proceeding webpage for more information about the Consent motion process.