USPTO to Modify FAST for Co-pending Applications

Beginning in April, the USPTO will be modifying its First Action System for Trademarks (FAST) so that co-pending trademark applications will be handled by the same examiner during a specific window of time. The update will assign up to ten co-pending trademark applications to the same examiner, and if there are more than ten co-pending applications, the first ten will be assigned to the same examiner. According to the USPTO, "[t]he best method of ensuring consistency in the examination of applications filed by the same applicant is to have the same examining attorney review such applications."

USPTO Press Release: LINK
TMEP §702.03(a) ("Companion Applications"): LINK