The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced via its official website that, effective April 17, 2025, it will suspend the acceptance of requests for expedited examination of design patent applications. This measure aims to help the USPTO reduce both application and examination backlogs and to strengthen the integrity of the design patent system.
Key Details:
To combat fraudulent filings and reduce the growing backlog of pending design patent applications, the USPTO will suspend the Design Rocket Docket (expedited examination) program beginning April 17, 2025.
In recent years, the number of expedited examination requests for design applications has surged by 560%, largely due to a significant increase in fraudulent filings.
The suspension will also support the USPTO’s broader initiatives to address issues related to improper micro entity certifications and enhance its overall risk management efforts across the intellectual property system.
All requests for expedited examination of design applications submitted on or after April 17, 2025 — including resubmissions — will not be accepted. Any fees paid in connection with such requests after that date will be refunded.
Strategic Considerations:
Despite the suspension of expedited design examination, applicants may consider alternative pathways to accelerate examination and obtain intellectual property protection. For instance, the USPTO's Track One prioritized examination for utility patents and the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) remain unaffected and continue to be viable options.
Applicants are also advised to monitor the USPTO for potential interim measures or substitute programs that may be introduced to address the needs of stakeholders during this suspension period.
While this policy shift presents certain challenges for applicants, thoughtful planning and the use of available alternatives can still ensure effective protection of design innovations in a complex and evolving IP landscape.
We will continue to track developments from the USPTO and provide timely updates on changes impacting the intellectual property community.