USPTO Issues PCT Informed Examination Request Pilot Program

Release Time：2026-04-13 10:41Author：Views：58

On April 9, 2026, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published an official notice in the Federal Register announcing the launch of the PCT Informed Examination Request (PIER) Pilot Program. The program became effective on April 9, 2026, with a pilot period of one year. The USPTO will evaluate the implementation results to determine whether to extend or adjust the program thereafter.

The PIER Pilot Program applies only to PCT international applications that have entered the U.S. national stage under 35 U.S.C. 371. The USPTO will randomly select participants from unexamined national stage applications. Applicants cannot voluntarily request to participate, abstain, or be removed from the program. The USPTO will issue a requirement for information to the selected applications.

Upon receipt of the requirement for information, the applicant must reply within two months (extendable up to a maximum of six months) using form PTO/SB/478 (available at www.uspto.gov/PatentForms).

The form includes the following options:

1. Proceed with examination – The applicant may also file a preliminary amendment to place the application in better condition for examination.

2. Delay examination for 12 months – This delay is available without any fee.

3. Expressly abandon the application – The applicant cannot obtain a refund of the search fee and excess claims fees under this option.

If the applicant fails to submit a complete and properly signed reply within the required time period, the application will be deemed abandoned. If the reply is incomplete or improperly signed but constitutes a bona fide attempt to advance the application, the USPTO will notify the applicant of the deficiency and provide a two-month shortened statutory period to submit a fully responsive reply. This period may be extended, but in no case may it exceed 6 months.

Source：https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/09/2026-06903/pct-informed-examination-request-pilot-program

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