Last week the USPTO announced that it will continue and expand its Peer Review Pilot program, allowing a broader scope of applications to be considered. This program has existed for just over a year and allows the public to review published applications (from applicants participating in the program) within specific classes and subclasses, allowing the public to submit technical references and comments regarding why the references should be considered during prosecution.

According to the USPTO announcement (link below),

“The pilot was initially restricted to patent applications in the computer-related arts (those classified in Technology Center 2100). The scope of the program is now expanded to include applications in the automated business data processing technologies, or business methods, class 705. Technical experts in the computer and business methods-related arts registering with the peertopatent.org Web site will review and submit information for up to 400 published patent applications, up from 250 as originally announced. No more than 25 separate applications will be allowed from any one person or organization, up from 15 in the original announcement.”

The extended Pilot is scheduled to end on June 15, 2009. Additional details regarding this program and its expansion are provided within the links below.

USPTO Announcement: LINK
USPTO Peer Review Program Webpage: LINK