USPTO AI Search Automated Pilot Program (ASAP!)

The USPTO is launching the Artificial Intelligence Search Automated Pilot Program (ASAP!) to evaluate automated pre-examination searches for patent applications. The program will provide applicants with an Automated Search Results Notice (ASRN) and has received 169 petitions, with 76 granted so far.

USPTO QPIDS Program Eliminates RCE Processing for IDS

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.

USPTO Increases Prioritized Patent Examination Requests Limit

Effective July 8, 2025, the USPTO has increased the annual limit for prioritized patent examination requests from 15,000 to 20,000. This change aims to expedite the patent process for a larger number of applicants seeking faster review of their utility and plant patent applications.

USPTO Ends Accelerated Examination for Utility Applications

The USPTO will discontinue the Accelerated Examination program for utility patent applications effective July 10, 2025. The program will continue to be available for design applications. This change impacts how applicants can seek expedited examination for utility inventions.

USPTO TTAB Dismisses MYQMS.AI Opposition

The USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) has dismissed the opposition case TTAB91300156 concerning the MYQMS.AI mark, filed by Snap Inc. against optiQMS Solutions, LLC. The dismissal was made without prejudice, meaning the plaintiff may refile the opposition under certain conditions.

USPTO TTAB - Apple Inc. Extension Decision

The USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) issued a decision regarding an extension request in a proceeding involving Apple Inc. and Yan Li. The decision pertains to the mark 'APL' and was filed on December 18, 2025, with a decision date of March 18, 2026.

USPTO Extension Decision - NIHC, Inc. vs Warehouse RacKings Inc

The USPTO's Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) has issued an extension decision for the opposition case between NIHC, Inc. and Warehouse RacKings Inc. The decision grants the first 90-day request for an extension of time to oppose the mark 'EVERYBODY NEEDS A RACK'.

USPTO TTAB Extension Granted for Vitality Behavioral Health Program

The USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) has granted a 60-day extension for an opposition proceeding. The filing date for this extension request was December 17, 2025, and the mark at issue is VITALITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAM BY RELIANT REHABILITATION.

USPTO TTAB Extension Decision Granted for Talisman Brands, Inc.

The USPTO's Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) has granted an extension for Talisman Brands, Inc. in a proceeding against MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION concerning the mark 'RAA'. The filing date for the extension was December 16, 2025, with the decision effective March 18, 2026.

DIPPERELLA Extension Decision - Dole Packaged Foods v. Vagos Holdings LLC

The USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) issued a decision regarding an extension request in the case involving Dole Packaged Foods, LLC and Vagos Holdings LLC concerning the mark DIPPERELLA. The decision was issued on March 18, 2026.