Ann Robl The USPTO Patent Trial and Appeal Board has started another pilot program to reduce the backlog of ex parte appeals waiting to be heard by the Board. The program expedites appeals for small and micro entities. To be eligible for the program, appellants must meet the following criteria:Qualify as a small or micro entity;Have a single appeal pending before the Board as of 9/18/15, and that appeal must have been docketed by the Board on or before 9/18/15;Agree to the disposition of all claims subject to each ground of rejection as a single group (which means that the Board can decide the appeal based on a single claim out of the group rejection);Waive any request for an oral hearing (no refund if you’ve already paid the fee for an oral hearing);Certify that the appeal does not involve any claim subject to a rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 112; and,Make a certification to all of the above and file a petition…
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