While obtaining a patent can be a rather lengthy process, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) does in fact provide a number of tools and procedures for speeding up prosecution of a patent application. Potential procedures for speeding up prosecution include petitions to make special, accelerated examination, prioritized examination, the first action interview pilot program, and the patent prosecution highway (PPH) program.  To view a copy of a presentation summarizing the options available as well as the benefits and disadvantages of these various options, visit: Accelerating Patent Prosecution from Woodard, Emhardt, Henry, Reeves & Wagner, LLP