On June 15, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced the creation of a second COVID-19 Prioritized Examination Pilot Program, this time for COVID-19 related trademark and service mark applications. Under this program, once an applicant files a trademark or service mark application for COVID-19 related products or services, they can request an expedited review of the application. The USPTO will waive the fees for the petition requesting expedited review. If the petition is granted, the application will be sent to an examining attorney and reviewed promptly, shortening the initial trademark review process by approximately two months.

To qualify for the program, the application must be for:

1) Pharmaceutical products or medical devices that are subject to approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and/or cure of COVID-19, such as diagnostic tests, ventilators, and personal protective equipment.

2) Medical services or medical research services for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and/or cure of COVID-19.

Applicants can begin requesting expedited notice effective immediately. The USPTO will be monitoring the program, and will notify the public if there are any changes to the program.  Please see the USPTO’s press release for more information about the program.