What is the significance of an application being considered “special”?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 4 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. When an application is considered “special,” it receives priority treatment in the examination process. MPEP § 1301 states: “When an application is in condition for allowance, except as to matters of form, the application will be considered special and prompt action taken to require correction of formal matters.” This special status means that the USPTO will expedite the processing of the application, focusing on quickly resolving any remaining formal issues. The goal is to move the application towards allowance and issuance more rapidly than standard applications. For more information on special status and expedited examination, refer to MPEP § 710.02(b) . Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 4 rules Collapse Formal Requirements Must Be Corrected Promptly Upon Allowance MPEP 1301 Application Abandoned for Missing Prosecution Within Six Months MPEP 710 Required Director May Extend Time for Taking Action on Important Inventions MPEP 710 Permitted Technology Center Director Decides Time Extensions MPEP 710 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What are &#8220;matters of form&#8221; in a patent application? How does an application being &#8220;substantially allowable&#8221; affect its processing? What does it mean for an application to be &#8220;substantially allowable&#8221;? How does the USPTO handle &#8220;prompt action&#8221; for substantially allowable applications? How long do I have to respond to a notice about an unlocatable file?