PTAB Amendment Pilot Effective Today

Today, the Patent Trial & Appeal Board (PTAB) published the final Pilot Program for Motions to Amend in the Federal Register (here). The Pilot will run for one year, and is applicable to all AIA trial proceedings instituted going forward. (i.e., proceedings instituted before 3/15 are ineligible). The published Pilot carries forward the main idea of the initial RFC — feedback to the Patent Owner on its Motion to Amend prior to final decision — but, offers notable revisions in procedural timing and options as compared to the RFC.

As revised, those Patent Owners inclined to amend before the PTAB, may find the Pilot to offer strategic advantages beyond mere feedback.
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