The AIA made it easier for third parties to submit prior art relating to pending patent applications through Preissuance Submissions.  The AIA expanded the time for making such submissions, guaranteeing third parties at least six motnhs from publication to make the submission (unless the application is allowed sooner), and allowing such submissions until the first substantive Since September 16, 2012, 529 Preissuance Submissions have been made, as illustrated in this graph from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.