{"description":"Documents matching 'pilot program filing preliminary amendment'","count":2762,"total_pages":50,"next_page_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/documents?conditions%5Bterm%5D=pilot+program+filing+preliminary+amendment&format=json&page=2","results":[{"title":"Streamlined Claim Set Pilot Program","type":"Notice","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is implementing the Streamlined Claim Set Pilot Program to evaluate how having a limited number of claims under examination impacts pendency and examination quality. Under the pilot program, certain pending utility patent applications that have no more than one independent claim and no more than ten total claims may be eligible for expedited examination, if the requirements specified in this notice are met. An applicant may comply with the claim requirements of the pilot program by filing a preliminary amendment before or with a petition to make special under the pilot program. Applications accepted into the pilot program will be advanced out of turn (i.e., accorded special status) for examination until a first Office action is issued. This notice sets forth the requirements of the pilot program and describes how the pilot program will be administered. The USPTO anticipates that focusing examination resources on already-filed, unexamined applications that have a streamlined claim set will enhance efforts to reduce the USPTO's inventory and pendency, and that the data gathered from this pilot program will support designing future efforts to expedite patent examination.","document_number":"2025-19669","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/10/27/2025-19669/streamlined-claim-set-pilot-program","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-10-27/pdf/2025-19669.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-19669.pdf?1761309906","publication_date":"2025-10-27","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"termination of the pilot program. The USPTO may, at its sole discretion, terminate the pilot program for any reason, including factors such as workload and resources needed to administer the program, feedback from the public, and the effectiveness of the program. If the pilot program is terminated, the USPTO will notify the public. The USPTO, on its website, will specify the number of petitions filed and the number of applications accepted into the pilot program for each Technology Center. A petition filed under the pilot program before the termination"},{"title":"PCT Informed Examination Request Pilot Program","type":"Notice","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) is implementing the PCT Informed Examination Request (PIER) Pilot Program to assess the inventory and efficiency impacts of requiring an applicant to request examination in view of applicable Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) international phase work products. The USPTO will select certain national stage patent applications for the program. In an application selected for the program, the USPTO will issue a requirement for information referencing the applicable international phase work products and requiring the applicant to indicate whether the applicant opts to: proceed with examination (with the option to place the application in better condition for examination by filing a preliminary amendment), delay examination, or expressly abandon the application in view of the international phase work products. The applicant must respond to the requirement for information to avoid abandonment of the application. The USPTO expects that requiring applicants to indicate that examination is desired upon review of international phase work products present in the application file will contribute to efforts to reduce inventory and pendency.","document_number":"2026-06903","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/09/2026-06903/pct-informed-examination-request-pilot-program","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-04-09/pdf/2026-06903.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-06903.pdf?1775652320","publication_date":"2026-04-09","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"select applications to participate in the PIER Pilot Program beginning April 9, 2026 until April 9, 2027. The USPTO may extend the program to select additional patent applications if it determines that more information is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. The USPTO may, at its sole discretion, terminate the program for any reason, including factors such as workload and resources needed to administer the program, feedback from the public, and effectiveness of the program. If the program is terminated, the USPTO will notify the public"},{"title":"Automated Search Pilot Program","type":"Notice","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is implementing the Automated Search Pilot Program to evaluate the impact of sharing the results of an automated search prior to examination of an original, noncontinuing, nonprovisional utility patent application. Conducting an automated search and sending an Automated Search Results Notice (ASRN) to the applicant will provide the applicant with an earlier communication regarding potential prior art issues in their application. To participate in this new pilot procedure, the applicant must file a petition accompanied by a petition fee. With this pilot program, the USPTO aims to ascertain the impact of sharing a pre- examination search report on prosecution by applicants, evaluate the scalability of generating ASRNs, and collect data to inform next steps. This notice is to inform applicants of the pilot program and to provide them with important details regarding the program, including how to participate.","document_number":"2025-19493","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/10/08/2025-19493/automated-search-pilot-program","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-10-08/pdf/2025-19493.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-19493.pdf?1759841106","publication_date":"2025-10-08","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"the program. \n \n The USPTO will, from time to time, update its website to indicate the total number of petitions to participate in the pilot program that have been received and the total number of petitions granted, including a breakdown of the number of petitions granted per TC. The USPTO will also indicate the expected \n \n closure date of the program, after which no newly filed petitions will be accepted.\n \n Part II. Petition Under 37 CFR 1.182 To Participate in the Pilot Program \n \n To participate in this pilot program, applicant must file a properly"},{"title":"Standards Participation and Representation Kudos (SPARK) Pilot Program","type":"Notice","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is launching the Standards Participation and Representation Kudos (SPARK) Pilot Program to incentivize meaningful participation in standards development organizations (SDOs) by U.S. small and medium-sized businesses, universities, and non-profit organizations. Under the pilot program, examination of certain patent applications and ex parte appeals to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) may be expedited if the U.S.-domiciled juristic applicant meaningfully participated in a voluntary consensus-based SDO and meets the requirements specified in this notice. The application or appeal being expedited does not need to be related to the SDO participation. The expedited examination or appeal provides additional tangible value for the time and resources invested in standards development. Applications accepted into the pilot program for expedited examination will be advanced out of turn, that is, accorded special status, for examination until a first Office action is issued, and ex parte appeals accepted into the pilot program will be advanced out of turn before the PTAB. This notice sets forth the requirements of the pilot program and describes how the pilot program will be administered.","document_number":"2026-11098","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/03/2026-11098/standards-participation-and-representation-kudos-spark-pilot-program","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-03/pdf/2026-11098.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-11098.pdf?1780404317","publication_date":"2026-06-03","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"in standards development. Applications accepted into the pilot program for expedited examination will be advanced out of turn, that is, accorded special status, for examination until a first Office action is issued, and \n ex parte \n appeals accepted into the pilot program will be advanced out of turn before the PTAB. This notice sets forth the requirements of the pilot program and describes how the pilot program will be administered.\n \n \n \n DATES: \n \n Pilot Duration: \n The SPARK Pilot Program will accept petitions requesting expedited examination"},{"title":"Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls Development and Readiness Pilot Program; Program Announcement","type":"Notice","abstract":"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is announcing year four of the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) Development and Readiness Pilot (CDRP). This program facilitates the expedited CMC development of products under an investigational new drug application (IND) based on the anticipated clinical benefit of earlier patient access to the products. FDA has implemented this pilot program to assist with CMC readiness for products regulated by both the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) and the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) that have accelerated clinical development timelines. To accelerate CMC development and facilitate CMC readiness, the pilot features increased communication between FDA and sponsors and explores the use of science- and risk-based regulatory approaches, as applicable. This notice outlines the eligibility criteria and process for submitting a request to participate in the pilot.","document_number":"2025-16513","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/28/2025-16513/chemistry-manufacturing-and-controls-development-and-readiness-pilot-program-program-announcement","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-08-28/pdf/2025-16513.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-16513.pdf?1756298755","publication_date":"2025-08-28","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Food and Drug Administration","name":"Food and Drug Administration","id":199,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/food-and-drug-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/199","parent_id":221,"slug":"food-and-drug-administration"}],"excerpts":"participate in the CDRP program continuously throughout the fiscal year. FDA will select no more than nine proposals per fiscal year, with approximately two-thirds being CBER-regulated products and one-third CDER-regulated products. FDA will renew the CDRP program each fiscal year and announce the opening of the pilot program in the \n Federal Register \n for the remainder of this PDUFA VII period (until the end of FY 2027). However, once enrolled in the pilot a participating firm will continue to be enrolled in the program until their marketing application"},{"title":"Extension of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board Motion To Amend Pilot Program","type":"Notice","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is extending the Motion to Amend (MTA) pilot program, initiated on March 15, 2019, and previously extended up to September 16, 2024. The MTA pilot program provides additional options for a patent owner who files an MTA before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). In particular, the MTA pilot program provides a patent owner who files an MTA with options to request preliminary guidance from the PTAB on the MTA and to file a revised MTA. The MTA pilot program also provides timelines for briefing to accommodate these options.","document_number":"2024-21135","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/09/17/2024-21135/extension-of-the-patent-trial-and-appeal-board-motion-to-amend-pilot-program","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-09-17/pdf/2024-21135.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-21135.pdf?1726490737","publication_date":"2024-09-17","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"Trademark Office (USPTO) is extending the Motion to Amend (MTA) pilot program, initiated on March 15, 2019, and previously extended up to September 16, 2024. The MTA pilot program provides additional options for a patent owner who files an MTA before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). In particular, the MTA pilot program provides a patent owner who files an MTA with options to request preliminary guidance from the PTAB on the MTA and to file a revised MTA. The MTA pilot program also provides timelines for briefing to accommodate these options"},{"title":"Hours of Service of Drivers; Pilot Program To Allow Commercial Drivers To Pause Their 14-Hour Driving Window","type":"Notice","abstract":"FMCSA proposes a pilot program allowing temporary regulatory relief from the Agency's hours-of-service (HOS) requirement that all driving by drivers of property-carrying commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) be completed within 14 hours after coming on duty. During the proposed pilot program, known as the \"Split Duty Period Pilot Program,\" participating CMV drivers would have the option to extend their 14-hour \"driving window\" by taking one off-duty, sleeper berth, or on-duty/not driving period (taken at the location of a pick-up or delivery of cargo), including what is sometimes called \"detention time\", of no less than 30 minutes and no more than 3 hours. Participation would be limited to approximately 256 commercial driver's license (CDL) holders who meet the eligibility criteria specified for participation. Because the program would be applicable only to the rules for drivers of property-carrying CMVs, drivers of passenger- carrying CMVs would not be eligible for participation. This pilot program would examine whether such flexibility achieves a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety that would be achieved through compliance with the current regulations. FMCSA believes that the exemption covered by the proposed pilot program provides the flexibility to take extra rest, avoid driving during traffic congestion, and mitigate the impacts of unreasonable \"detention times,\" thereby improving the working conditions of America's truck drivers.","document_number":"2025-17938","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/17/2025-17938/hours-of-service-of-drivers-pilot-program-to-allow-commercial-drivers-to-pause-their-14-hour-driving","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-09-17/pdf/2025-17938.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-17938.pdf?1758026711","publication_date":"2025-09-17","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION","name":"Transportation Department","id":492,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/transportation-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/492","parent_id":null,"slug":"transportation-department"},{"raw_name":"Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration","name":"Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration","id":181,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-motor-carrier-safety-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/181","parent_id":492,"slug":"federal-motor-carrier-safety-administration"}],"excerpts":"about the pilot program and to identify approved participants to safety compliance and enforcement personnel and to the public. \n At the conclusion of each pilot program, FMCSA reports to Congress the findings and conclusions of the program and any recommendations it considers appropriate, including suggested amendments to laws and regulations that would enhance motor carrier, CMV, and driver safety and improve compliance with the FMCSRs (§ 381.520, see also 49 U.S.C. 31315(c)(5)). \n Scheduled Life of Pilot Program \n The pilot program will take"},{"title":"Hours of Service of Drivers; Pilot Program To Allow Commercial Drivers To Split Sleeper Berth Time","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"FMCSA proposes a pilot program allowing temporary regulatory relief from the Agency's regulation requiring one rest period of at least 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth for drivers who elect to split their time in the sleeper berth. Participation in the pilot program would be limited to approximately 256 drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) who possess a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) and regularly utilize the sleeper berth. Both drivers who wish to participate in the pilot and their employing motor carriers would be required to meet specific eligibility criteria to participate. Drivers selected for participation would provide FMCSA with data for a 4-month period, divided into a \"baseline\" period of 1 month, during which they would comply with the current sleeper berth regulations, and another period of 3 months, during which they would operate under an exemption allowing additional flexibility in how they may split their sleeper berth time. The Agency would use the data collected to compare drivers' safety performance and fatigue levels between the baseline and exemption periods. The goal of the analysis would be to assess whether additional flexibility in how sleeper berth time may be split achieves a level of safety equivalent to that which would be achieved absent the regulatory relief.","document_number":"2025-17939","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/17/2025-17939/hours-of-service-of-drivers-pilot-program-to-allow-commercial-drivers-to-split-sleeper-berth-time","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-09-17/pdf/2025-17939.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-17939.pdf?1758026711","publication_date":"2025-09-17","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION","name":"Transportation Department","id":492,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/transportation-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/492","parent_id":null,"slug":"transportation-department"},{"raw_name":"Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration","name":"Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration","id":181,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-motor-carrier-safety-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/181","parent_id":492,"slug":"federal-motor-carrier-safety-administration"}],"excerpts":"\n IV. Pilot Program Requirements \n Specific requirements for pilot programs are found in 49 U.S.C. 31315(c) and subparts D and E of 49 CFR part 381. A pilot program is a study in which participants are given exemptions from one or more provisions of the FMCSRs for up to 3 years to gather data to evaluate alternatives or innovative approaches to regulations, while ensuring that an equivalent level of safety is maintained. \n A pilot program must include the following elements in each pilot program plan: \n (A) A scheduled life of each pilot program"},{"title":"Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls Development and Readiness Pilot Program; Program Announcement","type":"Notice","abstract":"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is announcing year three of the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) Development and Readiness Pilot (CDRP). This program facilitates the expedited CMC development of products under an investigational new drug application (IND) based on the anticipated clinical benefit of earlier patient access to the products. FDA has implemented this pilot program to assist with CMC readiness for products regulated by both the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) and the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) that have accelerated clinical development timelines. To accelerate CMC development and facilitate CMC readiness, the pilot features increased communication between FDA and sponsors and explores the use of science- and risk-based regulatory approaches, as applicable. This notice outlines the eligibility criteria and process for submitting a request to participate in the pilot.","document_number":"2024-21674","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/09/23/2024-21674/chemistry-manufacturing-and-controls-development-and-readiness-pilot-program-program-announcement","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-09-23/pdf/2024-21674.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-21674.pdf?1726836324","publication_date":"2024-09-23","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Food and Drug Administration","name":"Food and Drug Administration","id":199,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/food-and-drug-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/199","parent_id":221,"slug":"food-and-drug-administration"}],"excerpts":"application is filed. Sponsors who are interested in participating in the pilot program should submit a request to participate in the pilot as an amendment to their IND. The cover letter should state “Request to Participate in the CMC Development and Readiness Pilot.”\n \n \n To promote innovation and understanding in this area, FDA will hold a public workshop and issue a strategy document focused on CMC aspects of expedited development incorporating lessons from the CDRP. At the workshop, sponsors may be asked to present lessons learned from the pilot. FDA"},{"title":"Integration of Powered-Lift: Pilot Certification and Operations; Miscellaneous Amendments Related to Rotorcraft and Airplanes","type":"Rule","abstract":"This final rule adopts permanent amendments and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for a period of ten years to: facilitate the certification of powered-lift pilots, clarify operating rules applicable to operations involving a powered-lift, and finalize other amendments which are necessary to integrate powered-lift into the National Airspace System (NAS). In this final action, the FAA finalizes its alternate framework to stand-up initial groups of powered-lift pilots and flight instructors. Most notably, the FAA adopts alternate frameworks to facilitate the certification of pilots seeking qualifications in a powered-lift with single functioning flight controls and a single pilot station. In response to commenters, the FAA provides clarification for certain operating rules and adopts a performance-based approach to certain operating rules to enable powered-lift operations. In addition to finalizing provisions for powered-lift, this action also makes changes to practical tests in aircraft that require type ratings, including airplanes and helicopters, training center rotorcraft instructor eligibility, training and testing requirements, and training center use of rotorcraft in flight training.","document_number":"2024-24886","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/11/21/2024-24886/integration-of-powered-lift-pilot-certification-and-operations-miscellaneous-amendments-related-to","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-11-21/pdf/2024-24886.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-24886.pdf?1732110316","publication_date":"2024-11-21","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION","name":"Transportation Department","id":492,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/transportation-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/492","parent_id":null,"slug":"transportation-department"},{"raw_name":"Federal Aviation Administration","name":"Federal Aviation Administration","id":159,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-aviation-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/159","parent_id":492,"slug":"federal-aviation-administration"}],"excerpts":"holding a commercial pilot certificate with the appropriate ratings or an unrestricted ATP with the appropriate ratings rather than meeting certain aeronautical experience requirements \n § 142.47(a)(5)(ii) and (ii) \n V.G.3. \n \n \n The NPRM did not include FAA test pilots or ASIs in the population of pilots able to utilize the alternate requirements set forth by part 194 \n This final rule adds FAA test pilots and ASIs to the alternate requirements for test pilots, accounts for both groups of pilots as it pertains to instructor pilots, and adds definitions"},{"title":"Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program","type":"Rule","abstract":"In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) stablishes the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program (Pilot or Pilot Program). The Pilot Program will enable the Commission to evaluate the impact that using Universal Service Fund (USF or Fund) support for eligible cybersecurity services and equipment will have on protecting school and library broadband networks and data. In so doing, the Commission seeks to address the apparent needs of schools and libraries for additional support for cybersecurity services and equipment, while evaluating the impact that providing that support would have on the USF.","document_number":"2024-15866","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/07/30/2024-15866/schools-and-libraries-cybersecurity-pilot-program","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-07-30/pdf/2024-15866.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-15866.pdf?1722257112","publication_date":"2024-07-30","agencies":[{"raw_name":"FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION","name":"Federal Communications Commission","id":161,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-communications-commission","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/161","parent_id":null,"slug":"federal-communications-commission"}],"excerpts":"E-Rate program, are eligible to apply to participate in the Pilot Program. The Commission then adopts a Pilot eligible services list that specifies the cybersecurity services and equipment that will be eligible for Pilot funding, and an application process that mirrors the E-Rate program and through which it can select a broad pool of participants. In addition, the Commission establishes Pilot Program rules and procedures for all phases of the Pilot, including competitive bidding, requesting funding, and invoicing/reimbursement. These Pilot rules"},{"title":"Rules Governing Motion To Amend Practice and Procedures in Trial Proceedings Under the America Invents Act Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board","type":"Rule","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office or USPTO) modifies its rules of practice governing amendment practice in trial proceedings under the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) to make permanent certain provisions of the Office's motion to amend pilot program (MTA pilot program) and to revise the rules that allocate burdens of persuasion in connection with motions to amend (MTAs). These rules provide a patent owner with the option of issuance of preliminary guidance in response to an MTA and the option of filing one additional revised MTA. Further, these rules clarify that a preponderance of evidence standard applies to any new ground of unpatentability raised by the Board, and that when exercising the discretion to grant or deny an MTA or to raise a new ground of unpatentability, the Board may consider all evidence of record in the proceeding. The rules further provide that the Board may consider information identified in response to a Board-initiated request for examination assistance, and that the results of that assistance will be added to the record. The rules better ensure the Office's role of issuing robust and reliable patents, and the predictability and certainty of post-grant trial proceedings before the Board. These rules relate to the Office trial practice for inter partes review (IPR), post-grant review (PGR), and derivation proceedings that implemented provisions of the AIA providing for trials before the Office.","document_number":"2024-21134","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/09/18/2024-21134/rules-governing-motion-to-amend-practice-and-procedures-in-trial-proceedings-under-the-america","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-09-18/pdf/2024-21134.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-21134.pdf?1726577117","publication_date":"2024-09-18","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"Practice Guide at 5-8 (AIA trial process), 66-72 (motions to amend).\n \n \n In 2019, the Office implemented a pilot program (MTA Pilot Program) for motions to amend filed in AIA proceedings before the PTAB. Notice Regarding a New Pilot Program Concerning MTA Practice and Procedures in Trial Proceedings Under the America Invents Act Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, 84 FR 9497 (March 15, 2019) (MTA pilot program notice). The MTA Pilot Program addressed public comments on a previously proposed procedure for MTAs, the Board's MTA practice generally"},{"title":"Semiconductor Technology Pilot Program","type":"Notice","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is implementing the Semiconductor Technology Pilot Program, which is designed to accelerate improvements in the semiconductor industry by expediting examination of patent applications for certain semiconductor manufacturing innovations. The pilot program is intended to encourage research, development, and innovation in the semiconductor manufacturing space and provide equitable intellectual property protection to incentivize investments in the semiconductor manufacturing area. Expediting examination of patent applications directed to semiconductor manufacturing under this pilot program encourages innovations that increase semiconductor device production, reduce semiconductor manufacturing costs, and strengthen the semiconductor supply chain. Applications accepted into the pilot program will be advanced out of turn (accorded special status) for examination until a first Office action is issued. This notice outlines the conditions, requirements, and guidelines of the pilot program.","document_number":"2023-26340","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/12/01/2023-26340/semiconductor-technology-pilot-program","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-12-01/pdf/2023-26340.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-26340.pdf?1701351926","publication_date":"2023-12-01","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"a petition under the pilot program has been filed. Therefore, if the inventor or any one of the joint inventors of the instant application has been named as the inventor or a joint inventor on more than four other nonprovisional applications in which petitions under this pilot program have been filed, then the petition for the instant application may not be appropriately filed.\n \n \n Part II. Internal Processing of the Petition Under the Pilot Program \n If the applicant files a petition to make special under the pilot program, the USPTO will not render"},{"title":"Medical Device User Fee Amendments; Public Meeting; Request for Comments","type":"Notice","abstract":"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, the Agency, or we) is announcing a hybrid public meeting titled \"Medical Device User Fee Amendments.\" The purpose of the public meeting is to discuss proposed recommendations for the reauthorization of the Medical Device User Fee Amendments (MDUFA) for fiscal years (FYs) 2028 through 2032. MDUFA authorizes FDA to collect fees and use them for the process for the review of device applications. The current legislative authority for MDUFA expires September 30, 2027. At that time, new legislation will be required for FDA to continue collecting device user fees in future fiscal years. Following discussions with the device industry and periodic consultations with public stakeholders, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) directs FDA to publish the recommendations for the reauthorized program in the Federal Register, hold a meeting at which the public may present its views on such recommendations, and provide for a period of 30 days for the public to provide written comments on such recommendations. FDA will then consider such public views and comments and revise such recommendations as necessary.","document_number":"2026-13778","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/08/2026-13778/medical-device-user-fee-amendments-public-meeting-request-for-comments","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-07-08/pdf/2026-13778.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-13778.pdf?1783428315","publication_date":"2026-07-08","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Food and Drug Administration","name":"Food and Drug Administration","id":199,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/food-and-drug-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/199","parent_id":221,"slug":"food-and-drug-administration"}],"excerpts":"scientific and academic experts. Minutes of these meetings are posted on FDA's website at: \n https://www.fda.gov/industry/medical-device-user-fee-amendments-mdufa-fees/medical-device-user-fee-amendments-2028-mdufa-vi. \n \n The proposed recommendations for MDUFA VI address many priorities identified by stakeholders and generally build on successful enhancements or refine elements from the existing program. Significant recommendations are briefly described below with reference to the applicable section of the draft commitment letter. FDA notes that"},{"title":"Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification","type":"Rule","abstract":"FAA is amending rules for the manufacture, certification, operation, maintenance, and alteration of light-sport aircraft. The amendments enable enhancements in safety and performance and increase privileges under a number of sport pilot and light-sport aircraft rules. These enhancements include increasing suitability for flight training, limited aerial work, and personal travel. This final rule expands what aircraft sport pilots may operate. This final rule also amends the special purpose operations for restricted category aircraft; amends the duration, eligible purposes, and operating limitations for experimental aircraft; and adds operating limitations applicable to experimental aircraft engaged in space support vehicle flights to codify statutory language.","document_number":"2025-13972","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/24/2025-13972/modernization-of-special-airworthiness-certification","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-07-24/pdf/2025-13972.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-13972.pdf?1753274717","publication_date":"2025-07-24","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION","name":"Transportation Department","id":492,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/transportation-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/492","parent_id":null,"slug":"transportation-department"},{"raw_name":"Federal Aviation Administration","name":"Federal Aviation Administration","id":159,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-aviation-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/159","parent_id":492,"slug":"federal-aviation-administration"}],"excerpts":"the logic of FAA's safety continuum concept is flawed and does not reflect that pilot error, not mechanical failure, is the leading cause of fatal accidents. FAA applies the safety continuum concept not only to rules related to aircraft certification but to rules for pilot, repairman, and operating certifications. Pilots holding an airline transport pilot certificate are subject to more rigorous certification requirements than sport pilots. Setting appropriate pilot certification requirements does not allow FAA to disregard safety improvements to"},{"title":"Visas: Enhancing Vetting and Combatting Fraud in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program","type":"Rule","abstract":"The Department of State (\"Department\") is amending regulations governing the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (\"DV Program\") to improve the integrity of, and combat fraud in, the program. These amendments require a petitioner to the DV Program to provide valid, unexpired passport information and to upload a scan of the biographic and signature page in the electronic entry form or to otherwise indicate that he or she is exempt from this requirement. Additionally, the Department is standardizing and amending its regulations to add the word \"shall\" to simplify guidance for consular officers; ensure the use of the term \"sex\" in lieu of \"gender\"; and replace the term \"age\" in the DV Program regulations with the phrase \"date of birth\" to accurately reflect the information collected and maintained by the Department during the immigrant visa process.","document_number":"2026-04737","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/11/2026-04737/visas-enhancing-vetting-and-combatting-fraud-in-the-diversity-immigrant-visa-program","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-03-11/pdf/2026-04737.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-04737.pdf?1773146710","publication_date":"2026-03-11","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF STATE","name":"State Department","id":476,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/state-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/476","parent_id":null,"slug":"state-department"}],"excerpts":"Act because the Department should have pursued notice and comment rulemaking as it is undertaking here.\n \n \n \n \n 11 \n \n See Diversity Visa Program Statistics: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-program-statistics.html. \n \n \n \n Table 1—Diversity Visa Program Participation Levels 2016-2025 Program Years \n \n \n Diversity Visa Program \n Program year \n Entrants \n Selectees \n \n Visas\n issued *** \n \n \n \n Pre-Requirement \n 2016 \n 11,391,146 \n 91,563 \n 46,718 \n \n \n \n 2017 \n 12,437,190"},{"title":"Motion To Amend Practice and Procedures in Trial Proceedings Under the America Invents Act Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office or USPTO) proposes to update its rules governing amendment practice in trial proceedings under the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) to make permanent certain provisions of the Office's motion to amend pilot program (MTA pilot program) and to revise the rules that allocate burdens of persuasion in connection with motions to amend (MTAs). The Office proposes to revise its rules of practice to provide for issuance of preliminary guidance in response to an MTA and to provide a patent owner with the option for filing one additional revised MTA. Further, the Office proposes to revise the rules to clarify that a preponderance of evidence standard applies to any new ground of unpatentability raised by the Board and to clarify that when exercising the discretion to grant or deny an MTA or to raise a new ground of unpatentability, the Board may consider all evidence of record in the proceeding, including evidence identified through a prior art search conducted by the Office at the Board's request and added to the record. These rules better ensure the Office's role of issuing robust and reliable patents, and the predictability and certainty of post-grant trial proceedings before the Board. These changes would apply to the existing consolidated set of rules relating to the Office trial practice for inter partes review (IPR), post-grant review (PGR), and derivation proceedings that implemented provisions of the AIA providing for trials before the Office.","document_number":"2024-04127","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/04/2024-04127/motion-to-amend-practice-and-procedures-in-trial-proceedings-under-the-america-invents-act-before","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-03-04/pdf/2024-04127.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-04127.pdf?1709300720","publication_date":"2024-03-04","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"implemented the MTA pilot program. See Notice Regarding a New Pilot Program Concerning MTA Practice and Procedures in Trial Proceedings Under the America Invents Act Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, 84 FR 9497 (March 15, 2019) (MTA pilot program notice). The MTA pilot program was extended through September 16, 2024. Extension of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board Motion to Amend Pilot Program, 87 FR 60134 (October 4, 2022).\n \n Preliminary Guidance and Revised Motions To Amend Under the MTA Pilot Program \n The MTA pilot program provides a patent"},{"title":"Qualifications of Drivers; Vision Standards Grandfathering Provision","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"FMCSA proposes to amend the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to remove the grandfathering provision under the physical qualifications standards for interstate drivers operating under the previously administered vision waiver study program, as this regulation is now obsolete. The waiver study program was terminated prior to the adoption of rules in 1998 implementing the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century provision concerning waivers, exemptions and pilot programs.","document_number":"2025-09707","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/05/30/2025-09707/qualifications-of-drivers-vision-standards-grandfathering-provision","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-05-30/pdf/2025-09707.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-09707.pdf?1748376910","publication_date":"2025-05-30","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION","name":"Transportation Department","id":492,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/transportation-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/492","parent_id":null,"slug":"transportation-department"},{"raw_name":"Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration","name":"Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration","id":181,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-motor-carrier-safety-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/181","parent_id":492,"slug":"federal-motor-carrier-safety-administration"}],"excerpts":"105-178, 112 Stat. 107, 401, June 9, 1998), which made amendments to the statutes governing exemptions, FHWA established a current Federal vision exemption program on December 8, 1998 (63 FR 67600). FHWA, and later FMCSA, monitored the safety performance of drivers in the vision waiver study and the current exemption programs continuously. Based on the experience with the vision waiver study and exemption programs, FMCSA determined that the safety performance of individuals in these programs is at least as good as that of the general population of"},{"title":"Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls Development and Readiness Pilot Program; Program Announcement","type":"Notice","abstract":"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the year two opportunity for a limited number of applicants to participate in a Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) Development and Readiness Pilot (CDRP) program to facilitate the expedited CMC development of products under an investigational new drug application (IND), where warranted, based on the anticipated clinical benefit of earlier patient access to the products. FDA has implemented this pilot program to facilitate CMC readiness for selected Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)- and Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)-regulated products with accelerated clinical development timelines. To accelerate CMC development and facilitate CMC readiness, the pilot features increased communication between FDA and sponsors and explores the use of science- and risk-based regulatory approaches, such as those described in FDA guidance, as applicable. This notice outlines the eligibility criteria and process for submitting a request to participate in the pilot.","document_number":"2023-19502","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/09/11/2023-19502/chemistry-manufacturing-and-controls-development-and-readiness-pilot-program-program-announcement","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-09-11/pdf/2023-19502.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-19502.pdf?1694177233","publication_date":"2023-09-11","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Food and Drug Administration","name":"Food and Drug Administration","id":199,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/food-and-drug-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/199","parent_id":221,"slug":"food-and-drug-administration"}],"excerpts":"participate in the CDRP program. FDA will select no more than nine proposals per fiscal year, with \n \n approximately two-thirds being CBER-regulated products and one-third CDER-regulated products. Taking into consideration lessons learned from the prior year, FDA will publish in the \n Federal Register \n a notice to announce pilot programs for each of the remaining FYs of the CDRP program. Sponsors who are interested in participating in the pilot program should submit a request to participate in the pilot as an amendment to their IND. The cover letter"},{"title":"Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B)","type":"Rule","abstract":"The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau or CFPB) is issuing a final rule that amends provisions related to disparate impact, discouragement of applicants or prospective applicants, and special purpose credit programs under Regulation B, the regulation implementing the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA or Act). The amendments facilitate compliance with ECOA by clarifying the obligations imposed by the statute.","document_number":"2026-07804","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/22/2026-07804/equal-credit-opportunity-act-regulation-b","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-04-22/pdf/2026-07804.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-07804.pdf?1776775512","publication_date":"2026-04-22","agencies":[{"raw_name":"Consumer Financial Protection Bureau","name":"Consumer Financial Protection Bureau","id":573,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/consumer-financial-protection-bureau","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/573","parent_id":null,"slug":"consumer-financial-protection-bureau"}],"excerpts":"protection efforts, the Bureau does not believe amendments to Regulation B specific to lender fraud prevention efforts are necessary in this rulemaking. The proposed amendments, as finalized, do not prohibit creditors from engaging in non-discriminatory fraud prevention activities. Additionally, amendments to Regulation V, implementing the FCRA, are beyond the scope of this rulemaking. The Bureau is also unable to establish a new Federal agency, as requested by a commenter. \n D. Special Purpose Credit Programs \n Proposed Rule \n \n The Bureau proposed prohibiting"}]}