How to Request Accelerated Examination (USPTO Track One)
Compress 2–3 years to 6–12 months. First Office Action within 2–3 months. Annual cap: ~10,000 petitions.
Track One has strict requirements. Confirm you meet them all before filing:
- Maximum 4 independent claims in the application
- Maximum 30 total claims
- Non-provisional application ready to file (Track One cannot be added later)
- Budget confirmed: ~$2,000 small entity / ~$1,000 micro entity for Track One fee (on top of regular filing fees)
Critical: The Track One petition must be filed simultaneously with the non-provisional application. It cannot be added after filing. Plan ahead.
File through Patent Center with the Track One prioritised examination petition attached:
- File non-provisional application at patentcenter.uspto.gov
- Include Track One petition for prioritised examination
- Pay regular filing fee + Track One fee + processing fee
- Verify claim count compliance (≤ 4 independent, ≤ 30 total)
- Submit and save filing receipt
USPTO targets first Office Action within 2–3 months and final disposition within 12 months.
- Prepare to respond to Office Actions quickly (Track One timeline is compressed)
- If granted: use as PPH anchor to accelerate at EPO, JPO, KIPO, CNIPA, and 20+ offices
- File PPH requests at target offices using Track One allowance
PPH cascade strategy: A Track One grant creates a PPH anchor. Use it to file PPH requests at EPO, JPO, KIPO, CNIPA simultaneously — potential grants within 6–12 months across all major markets, saving $2,000–$6,000 per office in reduced prosecution rounds.
Trying to Add Track One After Filing
The petition must be filed simultaneously with the non-provisional application. It cannot be added to a pending application. If you miss this window, your only acceleration options are the PPH or petitions to make special.
Exceeding Claim Limits
Maximum 4 independent claims and 30 total claims. Exceeding either limit disqualifies the petition. If you need more claims, file a continuation with additional claims after the Track One application is allowed.
Not Responding Fast Enough
Track One compresses the entire timeline. If you take the full 3-month response period for each Office Action, you lose the speed advantage. Aim to respond within 30 days to maintain momentum.
Forgetting the PPH Opportunity
A Track One grant is not just a faster US patent — it's a PPH anchor that can accelerate prosecution at 20+ offices worldwide. Failing to leverage this multiplier effect wastes the strategic value of Track One.
Track One Petition Filed.
Expect your first Office Action within 2–3 months instead of 12–18 months. Be ready to respond quickly. Once allowed, leverage PPH for global acceleration.
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How to Request Accelerated Examination (USPTO Track One)