USPTO

The USPTO’s 14-month target for issuing a First Office Action has long been viewed as a benchmark for timely patent examination—but recent data suggests it is rarely met in practice. With nearly 90% of first actions arriving after this window, a growing gap has emerged between statutory expectations and real-world timelines. This shift, however, may not be entirely disadvantageous. As delays often trigger patent term adjustments, applicants—particularly in complex, long-cycle

by Bob Fish | March 19, 2026 | 8:00 am Computer-Generated Design Guidance Background Back in 2020, the USPTO asked for public input on “whether its interpretation of the article of manufacture requirement in the United States Code should be revised to protect digital designs that encompass new and emerging technologies.” Nineteen comments were submitted . Twelve advocated that designs for projections, holograms, and virtual and augmented reality should be eligible for