Suspension of the expedited examination procedure for design applications will support the USPTO’s efforts to reduce pendency and inventory

VIRGINIA - As part of its efforts to combat fraud and to reduce pendency and inventory of unexamined design applications, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is suspending expedited examination of design applications effective April 17, 2025, according to the official website of USPTO.

Requests for expedited examination of design applications have surged by 560% in recent years, caused in large part by fraudulent applications.

The suspension will also support the USPTO’s efforts to address the issue of erroneous micro entity certifications, as well as the USPTO’s broader efforts to mitigate and protect against threats to the intellectual property system. 

Any request for expedited examination of a design application, including renewed requests, filed on or after the effective date will not be granted. The USPTO will refund the fee associated with any request filed on or after the effective date.