How does prioritized examination affect the examination timeline?

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.

Prioritized examination significantly expedites the patent examination process. According to the MPEP, The goal of the Office is to provide a final disposition within twelve months, on average, of the date that prioritized status was granted.

A final disposition may include:

• Mailing of a notice of allowance
• Mailing of a final Office action
• Filing of a notice of appeal
• Completion of examination as defined in 37 CFR 41.102
• Filing of a request for continued examination
• Abandonment of the application

It’s important to note that prioritized examination status does not extend to appeal or interference proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), or after the filing of a request for continued examination.