Patent Application Initiatives Timeline - text version

The USPTO Patent Application Initiatives Timeline displays various programs and initiatives that are available to applicants during each phase of the application process. Each program is designed to advance the progress of a patent application and to provide applicant assistance.

See also a detailed Matrix which provides a comparison of the programs and initiatives.

If you have general questions about filing your patent application, please contact our Customer Support Center.

Prior to Examination

• Advancement of Examination Options
  • Track One-Prioritized Examination
  • Accelerated Examination
  • Collaborative Search Pilot (CSP)
  • Expedited Examination (Design Applications Only)
  • Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH)
  • Glossary Pilot
  • Petition to Make Special
  • Patents Ombudsman Office
• Interview Options
  • General Interview Practice
• Information Disclosure Options
  • IDS-No Certification or Fee

During Examination

• Advancement of Examination Options
  • Petition to Make Special
  • Patents Ombudsman Office
• Interview Options
  • General Interview Practice
• Information Disclosure Options
  • IDS-Certification or Fee

After Close of Prosecution

• Advancement of Examination Options
  • After-Final Consideration Pilot (AFCP 2.0)
  • Post Prosecution Pilot (P3)
  • Pre-Appeal Program
  • Patents Ombudsman Office
• Interview Options
  • General Interview Practice
• Information Disclosure Options
  • IDS-Certification and Fee

After Notice of Appeal

• Advancement of Examination Options
  • After-Final Consideration Pilot (AFCP 2.0)
  • Patents Ombudsman Office
• Information Disclosure Options
  • IDS-Certification and Fee

After Payment of Issue Fee

• Advancement of Examination Options
  • Quick Path Information Disclosure Statement (QPIDS)
  • Patents Ombudsman Office