What is a shortened statutory period in patent examination?

A shortened statutory period in patent examination is a time frame set by the examiner that is shorter than the maximum period allowed by statute for responding to an Office action. The MPEP 711.02 states:

“This failure may result from a failure to reply within the statutory period… or it may result from a failure to reply within a shortened statutory period set by the examiner.”

Examiners often set shortened periods to expedite prosecution. However, applicants can request extensions up to the maximum statutory period, usually with payment of extension fees.

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• shortened statutory period
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• Office action response time