USPTO launches SPARK Pilot Program to incentivize participation in standards development

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has initiated the Standards Participation and Representation Kudos (SPARK) Pilot Program. This program aims to encourage U.S. small and medium-sized businesses, universities, and non-profit organizations to actively participate in standards development organizations (SDOs). Under the pilot, examination of certain patent applications and ex parte appeals may be expedited for eligible applicants who have meaningfully participated in a voluntary consensus-based SDO.