The After Final Consideration Pilot (AFCP) applies to "after final amendments" filed prior or on June 16, 2012. The AFCP authorizes Examiners to spend more time then usual on so called "after final amendments" (3 hours) that are filed after a Final Office Action issued. The idea behind the pilot is to test whether giving Examiners somewhat more time to review after final amendments will lead to a higher number of allowances. In view of the recent drop in preference given to the examination of "requests for continued examination" (RCE) which are generally filed to get amendments after final entered and considered, this pilot is attractive for at least two reasons: Not only will the RCE fees be saved, but on top of it, the time to prosecute the case could be cut significantly. Hopefully, the pilot will be a success and will be extended beyond June 16, 2012.
6/21/12: THE AFCP HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2012.