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DOC/PTO RIN: 0651-AD28 Publication ID: Fall 2017 
Title: ●Discontinuation of the Accelerated Examination Program 
Abstract: The accelerated examination program has been discontinued due to the number of filings which do not justify the costs of continuing the program. To do this, the USPTO must revise its rules of practice. In particular, the USPTO will no longer accept petitions to make special based on enhancing the quality of the environment, contributing to the development or conservation of energy resources, or contributing to countering terrorism. Instead, for inventions in these fields, applicants can still receive expedited examination of their applications by taking advantage of the USPTO's prioritized examination program. Unlike accelerated examination, under prioritized examination, applicants are not required to provide to the Office a pre-examination search or an examination support document. Additionally, to reflect changes in law and practice due to the America Invents Act, the rules of practice are revised to clarify that the grounds for a petition to make special are based upon the inventor's or joint inventor's age or health (not the applicants age or health). 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Info./Admin./Other 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
EO 13771 Designation: Fully or Partially Exempt 
CFR Citation: 37 CFR 1.102   
Legal Authority: 35 U.S.C. 2(b)   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Final Action  11/00/2017 
Final Action Effective  12/00/2017 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Matthew Sked
Legal Advisor
Department of Commerce
Patent and Trademark Office
P.O. Box 1450,
Alexandria, VA 22313
Phone:571 272-7627
Fax:571 273-7627
Email: matthew.sked@uspto.gov