The USPTO's Standard-Essential Working Group launches SPARK pilot program to strengthen U.S. standards development leadership
Further to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Standard-Essential Patent Working Group (WG) core objectives to restore robust remedies for patent holders, engage stakeholders and promote transparency, and facilitation of meaningful participation in standards development, the WG today announces the launch of its Standards Participation and Representation Kudos (SPARK) pilot program directed to U.S. small and medium-sized businesses, universities, and non-profit organizations. Under the pilot program, examination of certain patent applications and applications in 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 standards development organizations (SDOs) and meets the requirements of the program. The application or appeal being expedited does not need to be related to the SDO participation.
Standards form the backbone of many modern technologies. From telecommunications to automotive systems to artificial intelligence, voluntary technical standards enable interoperability, create markets, and unlock innovation. Many standards incorporate patented technologies—innovations that represent significant investment, ingenuity, and risk-taking by American inventors—and American leadership in standards development is essential to innovation, competitiveness, and national security. Small and medium-sized businesses, universities, and non-profit organizations bring critical expertise and innovative thinking to standards development. However, resource constraints often prevent smaller U.S. entities from meaningfully participating in SDOs, where standards are developed, that can determine market access and shape the competitive landscape. The SPARK program helps to lessen these constraints by offering expedited examination for applications and expedited appeals to the PTAB to certain U.S.-domiciled juristic applicants that have made technical contributions to or otherwise meaningfully participated in SDO activities.
Today, the notice is available for public viewing in the Federal Register Reading Room, and on June 3, 2026, it will publish in the Federal Register as well as be available on the Patent Related Notices webpage. More information is also available on the USPTO’s SPARK webpage.
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