The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has established a pre-application review program to help prospective inventors by providing insight into their potential patent applications.

In the new program, USPTO Examiners will assist first-time patent applicants in determining whether their invention is novel relative to the prior art through access to public patent tool. “This new pilot program is another tool in our toolbox to provide a more welcoming and encouraging innovation ecosystem for independent inventors as they seek to protect and bring to market their ideas.” – Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO. 

The USPTO is only accepting candidates until January 31, 2024. If interested, visit the USPTO website to learn more specific details about the Pre-Prosecution Pilot.