Introduction to USPTO's First Application Accelerated Examination Program

The USPTO's "First-time Applicant" Expedited Examination Pilot Program is part of a strategy to encourage innovation in a more equitable and diverse manner. The pilot program includes free training courses and expedited issuance of first office actions. The first-time applicant accelerated examination program began on March 9, 2023 and has been extended to March 11, 2025. The USPTO will approve 1,000 utility patent applications since the start of the pilot program. As of August 6, 2024, a total of 246 first-time U.S. utility patent applications have been qualified for accelerated examination under the program.