The USPTO has launched a Fast-Track Appeals Pilot Program as of today. The average time for appeal pendency is currently 14 months. Under this pilot program, the average pendency is expected to be 6 months from the date a petition is granted.
The petition may be filed any time after (1) the date when the PTAB issues a notice that the appeal has been docketed to the PTAB, and before (2) the conclusion of the appeal. In other words, this may be used to help speed up appeals currently pending at the PTAB. The required fee is $400 and the number of petition grants will be limited to a maximum of 500 per fiscal year or 125 per quarter.
