Can the USPTO set a shorter reply period for patent office actions?

Yes, the USPTO can set a shorter reply period for patent office actions. According to 35 U.S.C. 133:

‘…or within such shorter time, not less than thirty days, as fixed by the Director in such action, the application shall be regarded as abandoned by the parties thereto.’

This provision allows the USPTO to set a reply period shorter than six months, but not less than 30 days, for responding to office actions. The specific time frame will be indicated in the office action itself.

To learn more:

• Office Action
• Reply Period
• Patent Application
• USPTO
• Shortened Statutory Period