Quick Path Information Disclosure Statement (QPIDS)
The USPTO is implementing the Quick Path Information Disclosure Statement (QPIDS) pilot program as part of its on-going efforts towards compact prosecution and pendency reduction.
In particular, the QPIDS pilot program will eliminate the requirement for processing of a request for continued examination (RCE) with an information disclosure statement (IDS) filed after payment of the issue fee in order for the IDS to be considered by the examiner. Where the examiner determines that no item of information in the IDS necessitates reopening prosecution, the USPTO will issue a corrected notice of allowability.
The QPIDS pilot program will run from May 16, 2012, to September 30, 2012.
Press Release
USPTO to Test New Option for Information Disclosure Statements (IDS) (May 10, 2012)
Federal Register Notice
Quick Path Information Disclosure Statement (QPIDS) Pilot Program was signed on May 3, 2012, and published on May 10, 2012, at 77 Fed. Reg. 27443 [PDF].
Quick Start Guide
The EFS-Web Quick Start Guide for the Quick Path Information Disclosure Statement (QPIDS) Pilot Program [PDF] provides information needed to rapidly understand how to file a QPIDS submission, including a brief overview of the process and screen shots that identify critical steps in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions [PDF] [originally posted May 11, 2012, and last updated May 16, 2012]