Imagine your groundbreaking product is poised to dominate the market, only to miss its critical launch window due to prolonged patent approval delays. This frustration is all too familiar for cross-border e-commerce sellers. Now, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced it will permanently discontinue the Accelerated Examination (AE) program for utility patent applications effective July 10, 2025. The closure marks the end of an era for this cost-effective fast track, which previously delivered examination results within three months and granted patents within twelve months.
Track One Prioritized Examination: A Strategic Alternative
With AE's impending sunset, the Track One Prioritized Examination program emerges as the most viable alternative. This option offers both speed and reliability, typically delivering final examination decisions within twelve months (with actual processing times often compressed to 8-10 months). Unlike AE applications that require complex prior art search reports—a process that risks exposing proprietary technology—Track One eliminates this vulnerability while maintaining accelerated timelines. For IP-conscious businesses, this represents a significant advantage. Furthermore, applicants qualifying as small entities can reduce examination fees by up to 60%, optimizing cost efficiency.
Time-Sensitive Opportunity: Final Window for AE Filings
With slightly over one year remaining before the July 2025 deadline, applicants with completed technical searches should urgently consider submitting AE applications. Securing this "last-chance" filing could mean obtaining patent protection faster and at lower costs, granting businesses crucial competitive advantages. For core technologies, immediate preparation of accelerated examination documentation packages is advisable to ensure timely submission.
Future-Proof Strategies: Multifaceted IP Protection
The AE program's discontinuation necessitates comprehensive intellectual property strategies. One effective approach combines design patent filings (typically granted within 6-12 months) with utility patent applications, using the former as interim protection while awaiting examination of the latter. For international applicants, activating regional priority examination procedures when entering the U.S. via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) can further accelerate processing. Continuous monitoring of policy changes and engagement with specialized IP service providers—particularly those with USPTO examiner cycle tracking systems—remains critical for developing customized filing strategies that maintain competitive edges.