AFCP 2.0 Extended Through September 30, 2016
Andrew B. FreisteinSeptember 28, 2015
The USPTO has extended the After Final Consideration Pilot 2.0 (AFCP 2.0) through September 30, 2016.
AFCP 2.0 authorizes additional time for examiners to search and/or consider a response after final rejection. Under AFCP 2.0, examiners may also conduct an interview with Applicant to discuss the results of the search and/or consideration, if the response does not place the application in condition for allowance.
To be eligible for AFCP 2.0, the response must include an amendment to at least one independent claim, which does not broaden the scope of the claim in any aspect.
There is no USPTO fee for AFCP 2.0.
Additional information may be found here: http://www.uspto.gov/patent/initiatives/after-final-consideration-pilot-20