Exclusive Interview: USPTO Deputy Commissioner Explains Changes to Examiner Performance Plan
Episode description
In this episode of Clause 8, Deputy Commissioner for Patents Jerry Lorengo joins host Eli Mazour to share valuable, practical insights for patent professionals navigating the USPTO’s new Performance Appraisal Plan (PAP).
Jerry discusses what’s changed in the latest update — including the revised streamlined review process, new production expectations, and updated interview time policy — and offers guidance on how examiners, applicants, and SPEs can adapt effectively.
He reveals that the streamlined review will now focus only on independent claims, not dependent claims indicated as allowable, and explains how this early-stage supervisory review is designed to expedite prosecution, strengthen examination quality, and help SPEs learn from experienced primary examiners.
Jerry also stresses the importance of collaboration: even with new interview limitations, examiners are encouraged to conduct interviews that help clarify issues and move applications forward.
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