What are the requirements for requesting Track One prioritized examination?

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.

To request Track One prioritized examination for a newly filed application, the following requirements must be met:

• The application must be a utility or plant nonprovisional application filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a)
• Required fees must be paid, including prioritized examination fee, processing fee, and publication fee
• The application must contain no more than 4 independent claims and 30 total claims, with no multiple dependent claims
• The application must be filed electronically (for utility applications)
• The application must be complete and in condition for examination on filing

As stated in the MPEP: A newly filed patent application may be granted Track One prioritized examination status if it meets the general conditions in subsection I.A. above, and the additional following conditions…