US Patent and Trademark Office to Expedite Patent Grants for Semiconductor Tech

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has announced a pilot program to drive semiconductor research and development as part of the CHIPS for America initiative.

The Semiconductor Technology Pilot Program will fast-track the patent application process for qualifying chipmaking innovations, USPTO said.

According to Kathi Vidal, USPTO director and undersecretary of commerce for IP, accelerating patent grants for applications related to semiconductor device manufacturing speeds will strengthen the U.S. supply chain. She said the program aims to ensure that consumers receive cutting-edge technologies faster and that the United States depends less on foreign chips.

Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo explained that the program will incentivize domestic semiconductor investments by granting key intellectual property protections. She added that the CHIPS and Science Act represents a unique opportunity to cultivate innovation, preserve U.S. competitiveness and ensure national security.

The USPTO is now accepting bids to participate in the program, which is expected to run until Dec. 2, 2024, or until 1,000 petitions are accepted.