On May 17, 2010, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced it will open its “Project Exchange” program to all patent applicants in an attempt to reduce the backlog of pending applications.

Under the program, patent applicants with more than one pending application can expedite the review of one patent application in exchange for withdrawing one unexamined application. The USPTO hopes the program will significantly decrease the number of pending applications and allow the agency to process applications more quickly.

Patent applicants wishing to participate in the program must submit the necessary materials before the December 31, 2010 deadline. More details about Project Exchange will soon be available on the USPTO website and in the Federal Register. 

SOURCE:  “USPTO opens application exchange program to all applicants to reduce patent backlog,” United States Patent and Trademark Office, May 17, 2010.