USPTO QPIDS Program Eliminates RCE Processing for IDS
Summary
The USPTO has permanently implemented the Quick Path Information Disclosure Statement (QPIDS) program, which eliminates the requirement for processing a Request for Continued Examination (RCE) with an Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) filed after the issue fee payment. This change aims to streamline patent prosecution and reduce pendency.
What changed
The USPTO has made the Quick Path Information Disclosure Statement (QPIDS) program a permanent initiative, fundamentally altering the process for filing Information Disclosure Statements (IDS) after the issue fee has been paid. Previously, such an IDS would necessitate a Request for Continued Examination (RCE) for consideration. Under the QPIDS program, an RCE is no longer required for an IDS filed post-issue fee payment. If the examiner finds no new information in the IDS that warrants reopening prosecution, a corrected notice of allowability will be issued.
This change streamlines the patent prosecution process by removing a procedural hurdle for applicants. Patent applicants and their legal representatives should familiarize themselves with the QPIDS program and the associated Form SB/09 and Quick Start Guide. While no specific compliance deadline is mentioned, the program is now fully implemented, implying that any future post-issue fee IDSs should be filed under this new procedure to avoid unnecessary RCE filings and potential delays. The USPTO has also updated its FAQ regarding QPIDS, with the last update noted as January 19, 2025.
What to do next
- File Information Disclosure Statements (IDS) after issue fee payment under the QPIDS program.
- Utilize Form SB/09 for QPIDS submissions.
- Review the USPTO's Quick Start Guide and FAQ for QPIDS procedures.
Source document (simplified)
Quick Path Information Disclosure Statement
The Quick Path Information Disclosure Statement (QPIDS) program is part of the USPTO's on-going efforts towards compact prosecution and pendency reduction. The QPIDS program is fully implemented on a permanent basis.
In particular, the QPIDS program eliminates the requirement for processing of a request for continued examination (RCE) with an information disclosure statement (IDS) filed after payment of the issue fee in order for the IDS to be considered by the examiner. Where the examiner determines that no item of information in the IDS necessitates reopening prosecution, the USPTO will issue a corrected notice of allowability.
Press Release
USPTO to Test New Option for Information Disclosure Statements (IDS) (May 10, 2012)
Federal Register Notice
Quick Path Information Disclosure Statement (QPIDS) Pilot Program was signed on May 3, 2012, and published on May 10, 2012, at 77 Fed. Reg. 27443 [PDF].
Form
Quick Start Guide
The Patent Center Quick Start Guide for the Quick Path Information Disclosure Statement (QPIDS) Program [PDF] provides information needed to rapidly understand how to file a QPIDS submission, including a brief overview of the process and screen shots that identify critical steps in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions [PDF] [originally posted May 11, 2012, and last updated January 19, 2025]
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