USPTO Introduces New Decision Point for PCT National Stage Applications

The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has introduced a new pilot program that will require certain patent applicants to make an affirmative decision about whether to proceed with examination of their applications. The PCT Informed Examination Request (PIER) Pilot Program applies to select Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) national stage applications and reflects a broader USPTO effort to improve examination efficiency by ensuring that only applications with continued applicant interest move... By: Morgan Lewis