How does the USPTO handle post-allowance and appeal procedures in Accelerated Examination applications?

For post-allowance and appeal procedures in Accelerated Examination applications:

• The mailing of a notice of allowance or filing of a notice of appeal is considered the final disposition for the 12-month goal
• Applicants must pay the issue fee within three months of the notice of allowance to avoid abandonment
• To expedite issuance, applicants should pay fees within one month and avoid unnecessary post-allowance submissions
• For appeals, applicants should promptly file required documents and not request a pre-appeal brief conference
• The application retains special status after PTAB decisions

The MPEP states: “The mailing of a notice of allowance is the final disposition for purposes of the twelve-month goal for the accelerated examination program.” It also notes: “The mailing of a final Office action or the filing of a notice of appeal, whichever is earlier, is the final disposition for purposes of the twelve-month goal for the accelerated examination program.”

To learn more:

• accelerated examination
• post-allowance
• appeal procedures
• patent issuance
• PTAB