The Track One Prioritized Patent Examination Program represents one of the clearest signs of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's renewed commitment to efficiency. Approximately six months after the program's enactment, intellectual property experts are beginning to develop a more complete perspective on how this innovative approach is being applied in the field.

In the first few days of 2012, USPTO Commissioner for Patents Peggy Focarino announced a 98.9 percent approval rate for patent applications submitted to the young program. Potential submitters were also intrigued by reports that, on average, Track One offered a pre-examination timetable that was nearly 30 days shorter than the traditional mode.

After a review of the most current figures, IP Watchdog founder Gene Quinn has gone so far as to declare Track One as the most successful policy initiative put into place under the administration of USPTO director David Kappos.

"With all of the benefits associated with Track One, including lightning fast prosecution, a high allowance rate, less prosecution history and the ability to obtain claims quickly for litigation and licensing purposes, if you are not advising clients to consider Track One you could arguably be committing malpractice," Quinn stated.

The writer also recalled an earlier conversation in which USPTO deputy director Terry Rea indicated that the prioritized patent examination strategy could even become "the model for the future of all prosecution."