Starting May 4, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office will allow inventors to expedite their patent prosecution. The first 10,000 inventors willing to pay an extra $4000 (no discount for small entities) will be able to place their patent applications in a “Fast Track.” The new service aims to achieve a final disposition (rejection or allowance) within one year.
More: Fast Track 12-Month Examination Begins May 4, 2011 – $4,000 fee – Patent Law Blog (Patently-O).