What are the time limits for responding to Office actions in accelerated 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.

In the accelerated examination program, applicants must adhere to strict time limits for responding to Office actions. According to MPEP 708.02(a):

• Applicants must file a reply to Office actions within 1 month of the mailing date or abandonment will result
• No extensions of time will be permitted
• For final Office actions, the reply must be filed within 1 month from the mailing date of the final Office action

The MPEP states: “A reply to an Office action must be received within one month from the mailing date of the Office action or the application will be abandoned. No extensions of time will be permitted.”

These strict time limits are designed to ensure rapid prosecution of applications under the accelerated examination program.