We are pleased to advise you that on October 8, 2009, the director of the USPTO announced that it is rescinding the rules package, which limits the number of continuing applications and limits the number of claims in US patent applications. Thus, current practice regarding continuing applications and the number of claims will remain unchanged. Click here to view the USPTO announcement.

The USPTO has also indicated that it is considering various changes within the USPTO and by US practitioners and applicants in order to increase the quality of examination and reduce the pendency of applications. We expect to hear more about these changes over the next several months.