On June 3, 2022, the USPTO announced the launch of a Climate Change Mitigation Pilot Program. Under this Pilot Program, qualifying nonprovisional utility patent applications involving technologies that mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions will be advanced out of turn for examination (i.e., accorded special status) until a first action on the merits. Notably, Applicants are not required to satisfy the current requirements of the accelerated examination program or the prioritized examination program.

The Pilot Program will be available until June 5, 2023, or until the USPTO accepts 1,000 grantable petitions, whichever is earlier.