On May 8, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office announced the Covid-19 prioritized examination pilot program, permitting Covid-19-related applications filed by small and micro entities to be put on a fast track for patent examination.

On May 18, the USPTO launched a related webpage, where you can find additional resources and information pertinent to the program.

As outlined in the official notice, up to 500 qualifying patent applications will be accepted for prioritized examination and exempted from prioritized examination fees. The USPTO will endeavor to reach final disposition of applications in this program within six months if applicants respond promptly to communications from the USPTO.

Johnny Chan