On March 24, 2014 the USPTO announced a Glossary Pilot Program following one of the White House’s recommendations aimed at improving clarity and increasing the quality of patents. In view of our last blog post, the Glossary Pilot Program provides an opportunity for Applicants in some of the USPTO Technology Centers to expedite examination of their applications. The program applies to the Technology Centers of 2100, 2400, 2600 and the Business Methods area of Technology Center 3600, and is aimed at software applications.

The Applicant provides a petition to make special under the pilot program and a formal glossary section, defining terms used in the claims, as part of the patent application. No fee is required. The aim is to make it easier for the Examiner to understand and interpret the claims, and as a reward for doing that, the Applicant gets a fast turnaround. The program starts on June 2, 2014.

We look forward to the result of this pilot program since it can lead to higher quality patents and a fast pass through the Patent Office. The fast pass through the Patent Office is important for start-ups and young companies, which are the drivers of the economy.