What does it mean for a patent application to be considered ‘special’?

In the context of patent examination, an application may be designated as ‘special’ under certain circumstances. The MPEP 707.02 provides guidance on this designation for long-pending applications: Any application that has been pending five years or more should be carefully studied by the supervisory patent examiner and every effort should be made to terminate its…

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What is the purpose of the ‘special’ application status in patent examination?

What is the purpose of the ‘special’ application status in patent examination? The ‘special’ application status in patent examination serves to expedite the processing and examination of certain patent applications. According to MPEP 708, “Applications which have been made special in accordance with this paragraph will be taken up for examination more quickly than is…

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What is the process for making an application special under the Patent Prosecution Highway?

What is the process for making an application special under the Patent Prosecution Highway? The Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) is a program that allows for expedited examination of patent applications. According to MPEP 708.01: See MPEP Chapter 1800, Section 1893.03(a). While MPEP 708.01 doesn’t provide detailed information, the process generally involves: Having a corresponding application…

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What is the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) program?

The Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) is a program designed to speed up the examination process for corresponding patent applications filed in participating patent offices. As stated in MPEP 708.02(c): “The Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) speeds up the examination process for corresponding applications filed in participating patent offices.” This program allows applicants to leverage favorable rulings…

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