27. The previous interventions of the United States on agenda item concerning IP Measures in the Context of COVID-19 stand. As stated previously, intellectual property plays an incentivizing role in the development of new technologies to combat this deadly pandemic and in supporting economic recovery.
28. In past meetings, the United States highlighted the US Patent and Trademark Office COVID19 pilot programme which prioritizes examination of certain patent applications claiming a product or process subject to an applicable FDA approval for COVID–19 use. As a companion to the COVID19 prioritized examination program, the USPTO initiated on April 15 a Fast-Track Pilot Program for Appeals Related to COVID-19. Under this initiative, an appellant may have certain COVID-19-related ex parte appeals before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and will be accorded fast-track status without requiring a petition fee.
29. The aim is to issue a final decision of appeals in this programme within six months if the petition is granted and the COVID-19-related appeal is entered into the pilot program. Together, the COVID19 prioritized examination and the Fast-Track appeals programme will help avoid delays in the implementation of innovative tools for use against COVID-19. Further information on the USPTO's initiatives on life science technologies can be found on the
30. Separately, the USPTO recently launched a category of its Patents for Humanity Program for inventions that address the COVID-19 pandemic. This will provide business incentives for patent applicants, holders, and licensees whose inventions track, prevent, diagnose, or treat COVID-19.
31. Patents for Humanity Award winners receive a certificate to accelerate USPTO processing for one eligible matter (such as an ex parte re-examination proceeding or a patent application), as well as public recognition of innovation that benefits humanity. Award winners may also transfer their acceleration certificates to third parties, including for compensation, and can leverage the acceleration certificate to obtain funds to help commercialize their inventions, transforming innovative ideas into deliverable goods and services.
32. For more information about the program, please visit the on the USPTO website.