With the aim of supporting the production and development of semiconductor chips, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) launched a pilot program to promote semiconductor innovations on 1 December 2023. The aim of this program is to accelerate the examination of qualified patents and to bring semiconductor technologies to market more quickly in order to reduce the USA's dependence on external suppliers. The pilot program will be discontinued after the acceptance of 1000 eligible applications or no later than 2 December 2024.

All inventions that contribute to an increase in production capacity in the semiconductor sector, enable more cost-effective production of semiconductor chips or strengthen the semiconductor supply chain are regarded as qualified applications. Qualified applications must also contain at least one claim relating to a method or apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor device.

Source:
https://www.uspto.gov/patents/initiatives/patent-application-initiatives/semiconductor-technology-pilot-program