What types of petitions to make patent applications special are decided in the Technology Centers?

The Technology Centers decide on several types of petitions to make patent applications special under the accelerated examination program. According to MPEP 1002.02(s), these include:

• Petitions filed with payment of fee under 37 CFR 1.17(h)
• Petitions related to enhancing environmental quality
• Petitions related to energy resource development or conservation
• Petitions related to countering terrorism
• Other petitions not otherwise provided for

The MPEP states: “The following petitions to make patent applications special under the accelerated examination program set forth in MPEP § 708.02(a) are decided in the Technology Centers.” This indicates that these specific types of petitions are handled directly by the Technology Centers rather than other USPTO offices.

To learn more:

• accelerated examination
• special status petitions
• Technology Centers
• USPTO procedures