After Final Consideration Pilot (AFCP)
The After Final Consideration Pilot 2.0 (AFCP 2.0) allows non-production time for consideration of responses filed after a final rejection. The Applicant must request their response to be considered under AFCP 2.0. The examiner then uses their professional judgement to determine if the response can be considered in the time allowed under the pilot, if not the response should be considered under pre-pilot procedure.
If the examiner considers a response under AFCP 2.0, then the AFCP 2.0 Decision Form should be included in action to be mailed to applicant, whether an allowance or not. This form allows for the docket management correction.
AFCP 2.0 for fiscal year 2021 has been amended to have interview time considered as attribute time rather than other time. The effect of attribute time versus other time on examiner's production will be studied so no examiner is detrimentally affected by this change.
AFCP 2.0 has been extended through September 30, 2021.
After Final Consideration Pilot 2.0