The USPTO Giveth And Taketh Away

The USPTO announced earlier this year that it would be implementing a “Track One” expedited patent examination in early May in which applicants could pay a fee and receive accelerated examination of their patent applications. This was particularly appealing for tech-driven applications as the normal process can take years due to the backlog of applications and there was no requirement of discussing any relevant prior art (as is required in other types of accelerated review).  It has been reported that the USPTO announced today that its Track One program has been put on hold due to budget cuts.  Read a good discussion.  Many companies will be disappointed.