What is 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.

Prioritized examination is a program that allows an application to be accorded special status and examined out of turn. The goal is to provide a final disposition within 12 months of prioritized status being granted. There are two types:

• ‘Track One’ for newly filed applications
• ‘PE-RCE’ for requests for continued examination

As stated in the MPEP: Under prioritized examination, an application will be accorded special status until a final disposition is reached in the application. The goal for handling applications under prioritized examination is to provide, on average, a final disposition within twelve months of prioritized status being granted.