New Post-Final Pilot Program with the U.S. PTO

Yesterday, the U.S. PTO published the attached noticed regarding its new pilot program for post-Final practice (P3 program). I have highlighted key portions of the notice. This new pilot program blends features from the current AFCP program (e.g., narrowing amendments or proposed amendments may be presented) and the pre-appeal program (the substance of the submission is limited to 5 pages). There is no PTO fee to request participation in the program. The PTO has scheduled the program to last through January 2017 (or until 1,600 requests are received).

The new aspect in this program is the ability of the applicant’s representative to participate in the panel (e.g., AFCP panel) process. Presently, this participation is…

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