The After Final Consideration Pilot 2.0 (AFCP 2.0) has been extended through September 30, 2024. AFCP 2.0 is part of the USPTO's on-going efforts towards compact prosecution and increased collaboration between examiners and stakeholders.
AFCP Response Form (PTO-2323)
The AFCP Response Form (PTO-2323) is designed to enhance communication between the Office and applicant.
In response to an AFCP 2.0 submission, applicant will receive a specialized AFCP 2.0 form (PTO-2323) that will communicate the status of the submission. If applicable, the form will also accompany an interview summary. The form is designed to more clearly indicate how the AFCP submission was treated by the examiner. Office communications containing the AFCP 2.0 response form have been issuing since November 2014.
AFCP 2.0 authorizes additional time for examiners to search and/or consider responses after final rejection. Under AFCP 2.0, examiners will also use the additional time to schedule and conduct an interview to discuss the results of their search and/or consideration with you, if your response does not place the application in condition for allowance. In this way, you will benefit from the additional search and consideration afforded by the pilot, even when the results do not lead to allowance. Read more