Federal Register Notices from the PTO

Changes to Representation of Others Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office; Correction
June 22, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) is correcting an earlier final rule, ``Changes to the Representation of Others Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office,'' that appeared in the Federal Register on May 26, 2021 and which takes effect on June 25, 2021. This document
New Implementation Date for Patent Practitioner Registration Statement and Continuing Legal Education Certification
June 10, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) is delaying the implementation of the biennial mandatory registration statement required from registered patent practitioners and individuals granted limited recognition to practice before the USPTO in patent matters until November 1, 2024. However, beginning in the spring of 2022, registered
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Fastener Quality Act Insignia Recordal Process
June 08, 2021
Submitting Patent Applications in Structured Text Format and Reliance on the Text Version as the Source or Evidentiary Copy
June 02, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is in the process of transitioning to a system that supports submitting new patent applications in structured text, specifically DOCX format. Filing in structured text allows applicants to submit their specifications, claims, and abstracts in text-based format, thereby eliminating the need for
Electronic Submission of a Sequence Listing, a Large Table, or a Computer Program Listing Appendix in Patent Applications
May 26, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) proposes to amend the rules of practice to permit higher- capacity physical media to be submitted to the USPTO. Patent applications for certain inventions require significant data in American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) text format to be submitted
Changes to Representation of Others Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office
May 26, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) amends the Rules of Practice in Patent Cases and the rules regarding Representation of Others before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This rulemaking aligns the USPTO Rules of Professional Conduct more closely with the American Bar Association (ABA)
Patent and Trademark Public Advisory Committees
May 25, 2021 On November 29, 1999, the President signed into law the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act (1999 Act), which, among other things, established two Public Advisory Committees to review the policies, goals, performance, budget, and user fees of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) with respect to patents,
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; National Summer Teacher Institute
May 20, 2021
Changes To Implement Provisions of the Trademark Modernization Act of 2020
May 18, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) proposes to amend the rules of practice in trademark cases to implement provisions of the Trademark Modernization Act of 2020. The proposed rule establishes ex parte expungement and reexamination proceedings for cancellation of a registration when the required use in
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Trademark Post Registration
May 12, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651- 0055 (Trademark Post Registration). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of
Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 9,364,354; Reducer®
May 10, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued an order granting interim extension for a one-year interim extension of the term of U.S. Patent No. 9,364,354.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Trademark Petitions
May 03, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651-0061 (Trademark Petitions). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of the information
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Rules for Patent Maintenance Fees
April 30, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651-0016 (Rules for Patent Maintenance Fees). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Third-Party Submissions and Protests
April 30, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651-0062 (Third-Party Submissions and Protests). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery
April 22, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651- 0080 (Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery). The purpose of this notice is to
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Recording Assignments
April 16, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651-0027 (Recording Assignments). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of the information
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) Program
April 16, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651-0058 (Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) Program). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Public Search Facility User ID and Badging
April 16, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651- 0041 (Public Search Facility User ID and Badging). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public
Fast-Track Pilot Program for Appeals Related to COVID-19
April 15, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is initiating the Fast-Track Pilot Program for Appeals Related to COVID-19 to provide for the advancement of applications out of turn in ex parte appeals related to COVID-19 before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). An appellant who has filed an
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Application
March 31, 2021
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Representative and Address Provisions
March 31, 2021
Administrative Updates to the General Requirements Bulletin for Admission to the Examination for Registration To Practice in Patent Cases Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office
March 23, 2021 This request for comments seeks public input on proposed administrative updates to the General Requirements Bulletin for Admission to the Examination for Registration to Practice in Patent Cases Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (GRB). There are three categories of technical and scientific qualifications that may typically make
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; National Summer Teacher Institute
March 09, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651-0077 (National Summer Teacher Institute). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of
Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 8,858,612; Reducer®
March 02, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued an order granting a one-year interim extension of the term of U.S. Patent No. 8,858,612.
Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 6,953,476; Reducer®
March 01, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued an order granting a one-year interim extension of the term of U.S. Patent No. 6,953,476.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Admission To Practice and Roster of Registered Patent Attorneys and Agents Admitted To Practice Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office
February 26, 2021
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Patent and Trademark Resource Center Metrics
February 25, 2021
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Applications for Trademark Registration
February 25, 2021
Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 7,534,790; Vernakalant Hydrochloride
February 19, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued an order granting interim extension for a one-year interim extension of the term of U.S. Patent No. 7,534,790.
Development of a National Consumer Awareness Campaign on Combating the Trafficking in Counterfeit and Pirated Products
February 10, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) published a request for comments in the Federal Register on November 17, 2020, seeking information from stakeholders, including, but not limited to, intellectual property rights holders, online third- party marketplaces, third-party intermediaries, other private sector stakeholders, other entities with experience
Extension of the Period for Comments on the National Strategy for Expanding American Innovation
February 08, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently sought input from the public regarding the National Council for Expanding American Innovation (NCEAI). The USPTO is extending the comment period to ensure that all stakeholders have sufficient opportunity to submit comments on this important effort to develop a national strategy
Expanded Collaborative Search Pilot Program Extension
February 04, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has extended the Expanded Collaborative Search Pilot (CSP) program, originally running from November 2017 through October 2020, an additional two years. The Expanded CSP program, conducted with the Japan Patent Office (JPO) and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), builds on the
Sovereign Immunity Study
January 22, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published a notice in the Federal Register on November 5, 2020, requesting information on the extent to which patent or trademark rights holders are experiencing infringement by state entities without adequate remedies under state law, and the extent to which such infringements
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Patent Petitions Related to Application and Reexamination Processing Fees
January 19, 2021
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Representative and Address Provisions
January 15, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651- 0035 (Representative and Address Provisions). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Application
January 15, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651-0060 (National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Application). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Fastener Quality Act Insignia Recordal Process
January 15, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651-0028 (Fastener Quality Act Insignia Recordal). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission
Small Entity Government Use License Exception
January 15, 2021
Rules of Practice To Allocate the Burden of Persuasion on Motions To Amend in Trial Proceedings Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board
January 15, 2021
Small Entity Government Use License Exception
January 13, 2021
Rules of Practice To Allocate the Burden of Persuasion on Motions To Amend in Trial Proceedings Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board
January 13, 2021
Secondary Trademark Infringement Liability in the E-Commerce Setting
January 11, 2021 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) published a request for comments in the Federal Register on November 13, 2020, seeking information from intellectual property rights holders, online third-party marketplaces and other third-party online intermediaries, and other private sector stakeholders on the application of the traditional doctrines
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Substantive Submissions Made During Prosecution of the Trademark Application
December 31, 2020
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Patent Examiner Employment Application
December 30, 2020
Disclaimer Practice in Patents and Patent Applications
December 30, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) proposes to amend the rules of practice to expand when certain types of patent applicants and patentees may, subject to other conditions, obtain or enforce a second patent for an invention that is similar (i.e., patentably indistinct) to a first patent. Ordinarily,
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Admission to Practice and Roster of Registered Patent Attorneys and Agents Admitted to Practice Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office
December 23, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651-0012 (Admission to Practice and Roster of Registered Patent Attorneys and Agents Admitted to Practice Before the United States Patent and
Request for Comments on the National Strategy for Expanding American Innovation
December 23, 2020 On September 14, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) hosted the inaugural meeting of the National Council for Expanding American Innovation (NCEAI). The NCEAI consists of distinguished leaders from industry, academia, government, and nonprofit organizations. It was organized as an outgrowth of the Study of Underrepresented Classes
Small Entity Government Use License Exception
December 21, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) is amending the rules of practice in patent cases to clarify and expand exceptions to the rule pertaining to government use licenses and their effect on small entity status for purposes of paying reduced patent fees. The rule change is
Rules of Practice To Allocate the Burden of Persuasion on Motions To Amend in Trial Proceedings Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board
December 21, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) revises the rules of practice in inter partes review (IPR), post-grant review (PGR), and the transitional program for covered business method patents (CBM) (collectively post-grant trial) proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB or Board) to allocate the
The Article of Manufacture Requirement
December 21, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) seeks public input on whether its interpretation of the article of manufacture requirement in the United States Code should be revised to protect digital designs that encompass new and emerging technologies.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Applications for Trademark Registration
December 18, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651-0009 (Applications for Trademark Registration). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Patent and Trademark Resource Center Metrics
December 17, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651-0068 (Patent and Trademark Resource Center Metrics). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission
Trademark Fee Adjustment
December 15, 2020 On November 17, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published in the Federal Register a final rule on setting and adjusting trademark fees that is scheduled to go into effect on January 2, 2021. This final rule changes the effective date of one fee paid by international
PTAB Rules of Practice for Instituting on All Challenged Patent Claims and All Grounds and Eliminating the Presumption at Institution Favoring Petitioner as to Testimonial Evidence
December 09, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) revises the rules of practice for instituting review on all challenged claims or none in inter partes review (IPR), post-grant review (PGR), and the transitional program for covered business method patents (CBM) proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; International Design Applications (Hague Agreement)
November 30, 2020
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Initial Patent Applications
November 30, 2020
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Trademark Submissions Regarding Correspondence and Regarding Attorney Representation
November 30, 2020
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Patent Processing
November 30, 2020
Request for Comments on Discretion To Institute Trials Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board
November 18, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) published a request for comments in the Federal Register on October 20, 2020, seeking public comment on considerations for instituting trials before the Office under the Leahy Smith America Invents Act (AIA). Through this document, the USPTO is extending the
Trademark Fee Adjustment
November 17, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office or USPTO) is setting or adjusting certain trademark fees, as authorized by the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA), as amended by the Study of Underrepresented Classes Chasing Engineering and Science Success Act of 2018 (SUCCESS Act). The changes will allow the USPTO
Development of a National Consumer Awareness Campaign on Combating the Trafficking in Counterfeit and Pirated Products
November 17, 2020 On January 24, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released its Report to the President of the United States titled ``Combating Trafficking in Counterfeit and Pirated Goods'' (DHS Report). The report was prepared in response to the April 3, 2019, Presidential Memorandum titled ``Memorandum on Combating Trafficking in Counterfeit
Secondary Trademark Infringement Liability in the E-Commerce Setting
November 13, 2020 On January 24, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released its Report to the President of the United States titled ``Combating Trafficking in Counterfeit and Pirated Goods'' (DHS Report). The report responded to the April 3, 2019, Presidential Memorandum titled ``Memorandum on Combating Trafficking in Counterfeit and Pirated Goods''
Sovereign Immunity Study
November 05, 2020 At the request of Senators Thom Tillis and Patrick Leahy, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is undertaking a study of the extent to which patent or trademark rights holders are experiencing infringement by state entities without adequate remedies under state law, and the extent to which such
International Trademark Classification Changes
November 03, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issues this final rule to incorporate classification changes adopted by the Nice Agreement Concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks (Nice Agreement). These changes are listed in the International Classification of Goods and
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Patent Examiner Employment Application
October 23, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651-0042 (Patent Examiner Employment Application). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comments Request; Substantive Submissions Made During Prosecution of the Trademark Application
October 23, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651-0054 (Substantive Submissions Made During Prosecution of the Trademark Application). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for
Request for Comments on Discretion To Institute Trials Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board
October 20, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office or USPTO) seeks public comments on considerations for instituting trials before the Office under the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA). The USPTO is considering the codification of its current policies and practices, or the modification thereof, through rulemaking and wishes to gather
Proposed Continuing Legal Education Guidelines
October 09, 2020 This request for comments seeks public input on proposed guidelines regarding continuing legal education (CLE). Pursuant to the final rule published on August 3, 2020, registered patent practitioners and individuals granted limited recognition to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) in patent matters will
Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 7,259,184; Vernakalant Hydrochloride
October 05, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued an order granting a one-year interim extension of the term of U.S. Patent No. 7,259,184 (`184 patent).
Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 6,406,699; ECI® (ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy)
October 05, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued an order granting a one-year interim extension of the term of U.S. Patent No. 6,406,699 ('699 patent).
Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 7,524,879; Vernakalant Hydrochloride
October 05, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued an order granting a one-year interim extension of the term of U.S. Patent No. 7,524,879 (`879 patent).
Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 7,057,053; Vernakalant Hydrochloride
October 05, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued an order granting a one-year interim extension of the term of U.S. Patent No. 7,057,053 (`053 patent).
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comments Request; Patent Petitions Related to Application and Reexamination Processing Fees
October 01, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651-0059 (Patent Petitions Related to Application and Reexamination Processing Fees). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for
Facilitating the Use of the World Intellectual Property Organization's ePCT System To Prepare International Applications for Filing With the United States Receiving Office
September 30, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) is amending the foreign filing license rules to facilitate the use of ePCT (a World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) online service) to prepare an international application for filing with the USPTO in its capacity as a Receiving Office (RO/US) under
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; International Design Applications (Hague Agreement)
September 29, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651-0075 (International Design Applications (Hague Agreement)). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Responses to Office Action and Voluntary Amendment Forms
September 29, 2020
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Trademark Submissions Regarding Correspondence and Regarding Attorney Representation
September 29, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651-0056 (Trademark Submissions Regarding Correspondence and Regarding Attorney Representation). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Patent Processing
September 29, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651-0031 (Patent Processing). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of the information
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Initial Patent Applications
September 29, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651-0032 (Initial Patent Applications). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of the
Setting and Adjusting Patent Fees During Fiscal Year 2020
September 18, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office or USPTO) makes corrections to a final rule that set or adjusted patent fees that was published on August 3, 2020. This rule fixes typographical errors and makes other nonsubstantive changes to improve clarity in the regulations.
Deferred-Fee Provisional Patent Application Pilot Program and Collaboration Database To Encourage Inventions Related To COVID-19
September 17, 2020 Patents and published patent applications provide a key source of free-flowing technical information among the world's brightest minds, thus promoting further innovation. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) recognizes that its charge to issue high-quality patents to inventors goes hand-in-hand with dissemination of this important information.
Performance Review Board
September 14, 2020 In conformance with the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announces the appointment of persons to serve as members of its Performance Review Board (PRB). The PRB reviews and makes recommendations concerning proposed performance appraisals, ratings, bonuses, pay adjustments, and other appropriate
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Global Intellectual Property Academy (GIPA) Surveys
August 31, 2020
Setting and Adjusting Patent Fees During Fiscal Year 2020
August 03, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office or USPTO) sets or adjusts patent fees as authorized by the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (Act or AIA), as amended by the Study of Underrepresented Classes Chasing Engineering and Science Success Act of 2018 (SUCCESS Act). The USPTO is a business-like operation
Changes to Representation of Others Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office
July 30, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) proposes to amend the Rules of Practice in Patent Cases and the rules regarding Representation of Others before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This rulemaking proposes to align the USPTO Rules of Professional Conduct more closely with the
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) Actions
July 30, 2020
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Responses to Office Action and Voluntary Amendment Forms
July 29, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651-0050 (Responses to Office Action and Voluntary Amendment Forms). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public
Extension of the Cancer Immunotherapy Pilot Program
July 10, 2020 On June 29, 2016, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) implemented the Cancer Immunotherapy Pilot Program, which permits patent applications pertaining to cancer immunotherapy to be advanced out of turn for examination and reviewed earlier (accorded special status). To date, over 500 petitions requesting participation in the pilot
Manual of Patent Examining Procedure, Ninth Edition, Revision of June 2020
July 10, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) issued a revision of the ninth edition of the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP), published in June 2020, to provide updated information on patent examination policy and procedure (June 2020 revision). The MPEP provides patent examiners and the public
Fast-Track Appeals Pilot Program
July 02, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is initiating the Fast-Track Appeals Pilot Program to provide for the advancement of applications out of turn in ex parte appeals before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). An appellant who has filed an ex parte appeal and received a notice
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) Appeals
June 30, 2020
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Global Intellectual Property Academy (GIPA) Surveys
June 22, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651-0065 (Global Intellectual Property Academy (GIPA) Surveys). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding
Trademark Fee Adjustment
June 19, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office or USPTO) proposes to set or adjust certain trademark fees, as authorized by the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA), as amended by the Study of Underrepresented Classes Chasing Engineering and Science Success Act of 2018 (SUCCESS Act). The proposed fees are intended
Patent and Trademark Public Advisory Committees
June 17, 2020 On November 29, 1999, the President signed into law the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act (``1999 Act''), which, among other things, established two Public Advisory Committees to review the policies, goals, performance, budget, and user fees of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) with respect to patents,
Patent Term Adjustment Reductions in View of the Federal Circuit Decision in Supernus Pharm., Inc. v. Iancu.
June 16, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) is revising the rules of practice pertaining to patent term adjustment in view of the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (Federal Circuit) in Supernus Pharm., Inc. v. Iancu (Supernus). The Federal Circuit in Supernus
Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 9,364,354; Reducer®
May 29, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued an order granting interim extension for a one-year interim extension of the term of U.S. Patent No. 9,364,354.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Native American Tribal Insignia Database
May 29, 2020
PTAB Rules of Practice for Instituting on All Challenged Patent Claims and All Grounds and Eliminating the Presumption at Institution Favoring Petitioner as to Testimonial Evidence
May 27, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (``USPTO'' or ``Office'') proposes changes to the rules of practice for instituting review on all challenged claims or none in inter partes review (``IPR''), post-grant review (``PGR''), and the transitional program for covered business method patents (``CBM'') proceedings before the Patent Trial and
Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) Actions
May 26, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension of an existing information collection: 0651-0040 (Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) Actions).
COVID-19 Prioritized Examination Pilot Program
May 18, 2020
COVID-19 Prioritized Examination Pilot Program
May 14, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) is implementing a pilot program to provide prioritized examination of certain patent applications. To qualify, the claim(s) of an application must cover a product or process related to COVID-19, and such product or process must be subject to an applicable
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Pro Bono Survey”
April 27, 2020
National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Evaluation Committee Charter Renewal
April 27, 2020 The Chief Financial Officer/Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Administration, with the concurrence of the General Services Administration, renewed the Charter for the National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Evaluation Committee on February 12, 2020.
Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) Appeals
April 20, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the renewal and revision of an existing information collection: 0651- 0063 (Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) Appeals).
Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 7,534,790; Vernakalant Hydrochloride
April 07, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued an order granting interim extension for a one-year interim extension of the term of U.S. Patent No. 7,534,790.
Waiver of Original Handwritten Signature Requirement Due to the COVID-19 Outbreak
March 30, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) considers the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak to be an extraordinary situation. Therefore, pursuant to the Office's authority, the USPTO is waiving its only regulatory requirements for an original handwritten signature personally signed in permanent dark ink or its equivalent
Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 8,858,612; Reducer®
March 27, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued an order granting interim extension for a one-year interim extension of the term of U.S. Patent No. 8,858,612.
Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 6,953,476; Reducer®
March 27, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued an order granting interim extension under 35 U.S.C. 156(d)(5) for a one- year interim extension of the term of U.S. Patent No. 6,953,476.
Native American Tribal Insignia Database
March 16, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the renewal of a currently approved information collection: 0651-0048 (Native American Tribal Insignia Database).
Clarification of the Practice for Requiring Additional Information in Petitions Filed in Patent Applications and Patents Based on Unintentional Delay
March 02, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is clarifying its practice as to situations that will require additional information about whether a delay in seeking the revival of an abandoned application, acceptance of a delayed maintenance fee payment, or acceptance of a delayed priority or benefit claim was unintentional.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Secrecy and License To Export
February 28, 2020
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Law School Clinic Certification Program
February 28, 2020
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
February 18, 2020 Pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-108, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) hereby gives notice it has established a new system of records titled COMMERCE/USPTO-26, Trademark Application and Registration Records. The USPTO proposes to establish this system
Small Entity Government Use License Exception
February 05, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) is proposing to amend the rules of practice in patent cases to clarify and expand exceptions to the rule pertaining to government use licenses and their effect on small entity status for purposes of paying reduced patent fees so as
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Patent Law Treaty
January 31, 2020
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Post Allowance and Refiling
January 31, 2020
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Patent Term Extension
January 31, 2020
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Deposit of Biological Materials
January 31, 2020
Facilitating the Use of WIPO's ePCT System To Prepare International Applications for Filing With the United States Receiving Office
January 30, 2020 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) is proposing to amend the foreign filing license rules to facilitate use of ePCT (a World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) online web-based service) to prepare an international application for filing with the USPTO in its capacity as a Receiving Office
Law School Clinic Certification Program
December 26, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension of an existing information collection: 0651-0081 (Law School Clinic Program).
Changes to the Trademark Rules of Practice To Mandate Electronic Filing
December 18, 2019 On July 31, 2019, the United States Patent and Trademark Office published in the Federal Register a final rule amending the regulations to mandate electronic filing of trademark applications and all submissions associated with trademark applications and registrations, and to require the designation of an email address for receiving USPTO
Changes to the Trademark Rules of Practice To Mandate Electronic Filing; Correction
December 13, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office published in the Federal Register on July 31, 2019 (delayed on October 2, 2019), a final rule amending its regulations to mandate electronic filing of trademark applications and all submissions associated with trademark applications and registrations, and to require the designation of an
Request for Comments on Intellectual Property Protection for Artificial Intelligence Innovation
December 03, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published a request for comments in the Federal Register on October 30, 2019, seeking public comment on the impact of artificial intelligence (``AI'') technologies on intellectual property law and policy. Through this notice, the USPTO is extending the period for public comment
International Trademark Classification Changes
November 29, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issues this final rule to incorporate classification changes adopted by the Nice Agreement Concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks (Nice Agreement). These changes are listed in the International Classification of Goods and
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Legal Processes
November 27, 2019
Removal of Regulations Governing Requests for Presidential Proclamations Under the Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1984 (SCPA) and Certain Rules of Practice Relating to Registration To Practice and Discipline
November 25, 2019 In accordance with Executive Order 13777, ``Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda,'' and Executive Order 13771, ``Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs,'' the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) proposes to remove its regulations governing requests for Presidential Proclamations under the Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1984 (SCPA).
Secrecy and License to Export
November 25, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension of an existing information collection: 0651-0034 (Secrecy and License to Export).
Office Patent Trial Practice Guide, November 2019 Edition
November 21, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (``Office'') is issuing a consolidated Office Patent Trial Practice Guide (``Practice Guide'') to incorporate prior updates to the original August 2012 Practice Guide. The Office publishes the Practice Guide to provide practitioners with guidance on typical procedures and timeframes for taking action in
Deposit of Biological Materials
November 19, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension of an existing information collection: 0651-0022 (Deposit of Biological Materials).
Patent Term Extension
November 19, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension of an existing information collection: 0651-0020 (Patent Term Extension).
Patent Law Treaty
November 19, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension of an existing information collection: 0651-0073 (Patent Law Treaty).
Pro Bono Survey
November 13, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on a proposed revision and extension of an existing information collection: 0651-0082 (Pro Bono Survey).
Post Allowance and Refiling
November 13, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension of an existing information collection: 0651-0033 (Post Allowance and Refiling).
Request for Comments on Intellectual Property Protection for Artificial Intelligence Innovation
October 30, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (``USPTO'') is gathering information about the impact of artificial intelligence (``AI'') technologies on intellectual property law and policy. To assist in gathering this information, on August 27, 2019, the USPTO published questions related to the impact of artificial intelligence inventions on patent law
Updated Legal Framework for Patent Electronic System
October 23, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) published on its website an updated legal framework for its Patent Electronic System. The updated legal framework provides guidance on the background statutes, regulations and policies that support the USPTO's Patent Electronic System. The Patent Electronic System currently comprises EFS-Web,
Rules of Practice To Allocate the Burden of Persuasion on Motions To Amend in Trial Proceedings Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board
October 22, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (``USPTO'' or ``Office'') proposes changes to the rules of practice in inter partes review (``IPR''), post-grant review (``PGR''), and the transitional program for covered business method patents (``CBM'') (collectively ``post-grant trial'') proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (``PTAB'' or ``Board'') to
October 2019 Patent Eligibility Guidance Update
October 18, 2019 In January 2019, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) prepared revised guidance (2019 Patent Eligibility Guidance) for use by USPTO personnel in evaluating subject matter eligibility. The USPTO published the 2019 Patent Eligibility Guidance in the Federal Register and sought public comment on the guidance. In view of
Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 6,406,699-ECI® (ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy)
October 11, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued an order granting interim extension for a one-year interim extension of the term of U.S. Patent No. 6,406,699.
Patent Term Adjustment Reductions in View of the Federal Circuit Decision in Supernus Pharm., Inc.
October 04, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office) is proposing to revise the rules of practice pertaining to patent term adjustment in view of the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (Federal Circuit) in Supernus Pharm., Inc. v. Iancu (Supernus). The Federal Circuit in Supernus
Changes to the Trademark Rules of Practice To Mandate Electronic Filing
October 02, 2019 On July 31, 2019, the United States Patent and Trademark Office published in the Federal Register a final rule amending the Rules of Practice in Trademark Cases and the Rules of Practice in Filings Pursuant to the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks. That
Eliminating Unnecessary Regulations
October 01, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) hereby amends the Rules of Practice in Patent Cases and Trial Practice Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) by removing provisions in the Code of Federal Regulations that are no longer necessary. This final rule removes the rules
Request for Comments on Patenting Artificial Intelligence Inventions
September 30, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published a request for comments in the Federal Register on August 27, 2019, seeking public comment on the subject of patenting artificial intelligence inventions. Through this notice, the USPTO is extending the period for public comment until November 8, 2019.
Legal Processes
September 19, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on a proposed extension of the existing information collection: 0651-0046 (Legal Processes).
Increase of the Annual Limit on Accepted Requests for Track I Prioritized Examination
September 03, 2019 The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (America Invents Act) includes provisions for prioritized examination of patent applications, which have been implemented by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) in previous rulemakings. The America Invents Act provides that the Office may not accept more than 10,000 requests for
Trademark Public Advisory Committee Public Hearing on the Proposed Trademark Fee Schedule
August 29, 2019 Under Section 10 of the America Invents Act (AIA), the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) may set or adjust by rule any patent or trademark fee established, authorized, or charged under Title 35 of the United States Code or the Trademark Act of 1946, respectively. The USPTO currently
Request for Comments on Patenting Artificial Intelligence Inventions
August 27, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is interested in gathering information on patent-related issues regarding artificial intelligence inventions for purposes of evaluating whether further examination guidance is needed to promote the reliability and predictability of patenting artificial intelligence inventions. To assist in gathering this information, the USPTO is
Performance Review Board (PRB)
August 27, 2019 In conformance with the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, the United States Patent and Trademark Office announces the appointment of persons to serve as members of its Performance Review Board.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Patent Cooperation Treaty”
August 26, 2019
Changes to the Trademark Rules of Practice To Mandate Electronic Filing
July 31, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) amends the Rules of Practice in Trademark Cases and the Rules of Practice in Filings Pursuant to the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks to mandate electronic filing of trademark applications and all submissions
Setting and Adjusting Patent Fees During Fiscal Year 2020
July 31, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office or USPTO) proposes to set or adjust patent fees as authorized by the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (Act or AIA), as amended by the Study of Underrepresented Classes Chasing Engineering and Science Success Act of 2018 (SUCCESS Act). The USPTO is a
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Requirements for Patent Applications Containing Nucleotide Sequence and/or Amino Acid Sequence Disclosures”
July 23, 2019
Office Patent Trial Practice Guide, July 2019 Update
July 16, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (``Office'') issued a further update to the Office Patent Trial Practice Guide (``TPG'') in July 2019 to provide updated guidance to the public on standard practices before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (``Board'') in the post-grant trial procedures implemented following the Leahy-
Requirement of U.S. Licensed Attorney for Foreign Trademark Applicants and Registrants
July 02, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) amends the Rules of Practice in Trademark Cases, the Rules of Practice in Filings Pursuant to the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks, and the rules regarding Representation of Others Before the United States
National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Evaluation Committee
July 02, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (``USPTO'') is requesting nominations of individuals to serve on the National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Evaluation Committee. The USPTO will consider all timely nominations received in response to this notice as well as from other sources.
Patent and Trademark Public Advisory Committees
June 05, 2019 On November 29, 1999, the President signed into law the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act (``1999 Act''), which, among other things, established two Public Advisory Committees to review the policies, goals, performance, budget and user fees of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) with respect to patents,
Patent Term Adjustment Procedures in View of the Federal Circuit Decision in Supernus Pharm., Inc. v. Iancu
May 09, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is modifying its patent term adjustment procedures in view of the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (Federal Circuit) in Supernus Pharm., Inc. v. Iancu (Supernus). The USPTO makes the patent term adjustment determinations indicated in patents
National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Evaluation Committee Meeting
May 03, 2019 The National Medal of Technology and Innovation (NMTI) Nomination Evaluation Committee will meet in closed session on June 5, 2019. The primary purpose of the meeting is to discuss the relative merits of persons, teams, and companies nominated for the NMTI.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Invention Promoters/Promotion Firms Complaints”
April 30, 2019
Requirements for Patent Applications Containing Nucleotide Sequence and/or Amino Acid Sequence Disclosures
April 22, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on this proposed extension of an existing information collection.
Notice Regarding Options for Amendments by Patent Owner Through Reissue or Reexamination During a Pending AIA Trial Proceeding (April 2019)
April 22, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (``USPTO'' or ``Office'') provides notice of information regarding existing Office practice as it pertains to reissue and reexamination procedures for amending claims available to patent owner during the pendency of a trial proceeding under the America Invents Act (``AIA'') involving the same patent.
Patent Cooperation Treaty
April 22, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on a proposed extension of an existing collection: 0651-0021 (Patent Cooperation Treaty).
International Trademark Classification Changes
April 19, 2019
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Patents External Quality Survey
April 17, 2019
Notice of Third Public Meeting on Developing the Digital Marketplace for Copyrighted Works
March 19, 2019 The Department of Commerce's internet Policy Task Force (Task Force) will hold a conference at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) facility in Alexandria, Virginia, on March 28, 2019, to discuss current initiatives and technologies used to develop a more robust and collaborative digital marketplace for copyrighted works.
Notice Regarding a New Pilot Program Concerning Motion To Amend Practice and Procedures in Trial Proceedings Under the America Invents Act Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board
March 15, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (``USPTO'' or ``Office'') provides notice of a pilot program for motion to amend (``MTA'') practice and procedures in trial proceedings under the America Invents Act (``AIA'') before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (``PTAB'' or ``Board''). In particular, a patent owner who files
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Madrid Protocol”
February 26, 2019
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Practitioner Conduct and Discipline
February 26, 2019
Requirement of U.S. Licensed Attorney for Foreign Trademark Applicants and Registrants
February 15, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) proposes to amend the Rules of Practice in Trademark Cases and the rules regarding Representation of Others Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office to require applicants, registrants, or parties to a proceeding whose domicile or principal place of
Invention Promoters/Promotion Firms Complaints
February 12, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on a proposed extension of an existing information collection: 0651-0044 (Invention Promoters/Promotion Firms Complaints).
Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 7,534,790; Vernakalant Hydrochloride
February 05, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued an order granting interim extension under for a one-year interim extension of the term of U.S. Patent No. 7,534,790.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “International Work Sharing”
February 01, 2019
Patents External Quality Survey
February 01, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on a proposed extension of an existing information collection.
Extension of the Cancer Immunotherapy Pilot Program
January 28, 2019 On June 29, 2016, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) implemented the Cancer Immunotherapy Pilot Program, which permits patent applications pertaining to cancer immunotherapy to be advanced out of turn for examination and reviewed earlier (accorded special status). To date, over 300 petitions requesting participation in the pilot
Expiration of the Extended Missing Parts Pilot Program
January 28, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) implemented a pilot program (Extended Missing Parts Pilot Program) in which an applicant, under certain conditions, can request a 12-month time period to pay the search fee, the examination fee, any excess claim fees, and the surcharge (for the late submission of
2019 Revised Patent Subject Matter Eligibility Guidance
January 07, 2019 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has prepared revised guidance (2019 Revised Patent Subject Matter Eligibility Guidance) for use by USPTO personnel in evaluating subject matter eligibility. The 2019 Revised Patent Subject Matter Eligibility Guidance revises the procedures for determining whether a patent claim or patent application claim
Examining Computer-Implemented Functional Claim Limitations for Compliance With 35 U.S.C. 112
January 07, 2019 This guidance will assist United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) personnel in the examination of claims in patent applications that contain functional language, particularly patent applications where functional language is used to claim computer- implemented inventions. Part I of this guidance addresses issues related to the examination of computer-implemented
Madrid Protocol
December 12, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on a proposed extension of an existing information collection: 0651-0051 (Madrid Protocol).
Practitioner Conduct and Discipline
December 12, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on this proposed extension of an existing information collection.
International Trademark Classification Changes
December 06, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issues a final rule to incorporate classification changes adopted by the Nice Agreement Concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks (Nice Agreement). These changes are effective January 1, 2019, and are listed in
Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 8,311,629; OPTIMIZER® Smart Implantable Pulse Generator
November 23, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued an order granting interim extension for a one-year interim extension of the term of U.S. Patent No. 8,311,629.
Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 8,260,416; OPTIMIZER® Smart Implantable Pulse Generator
November 23, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued an order granting interim extension for a one-year interim extension of the term of U.S. Patent No. 8,260,416.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Patents for Humanity Program”
November 21, 2018
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Patent Review and Derivation Proceedings”
November 21, 2018
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Matters Related to First Inventor to File”
November 21, 2018
Interim Procedure for Requesting Recalculation of the Patent Term Adjustment With Respect to Information Disclosure Statements Accompanied by a Safe Harbor Statement
November 02, 2018 The patent laws provide for patent term adjustment in the event that the issuance of the patent is delayed due to certain enumerated administrative delays. The USPTO makes the patent term adjustment determination included on the patent by a computer program that uses the information recorded in the USPTO's Patent
National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Evaluation Committee Meeting
October 29, 2018 The National Medal of Technology and Innovation (NMTI) Nomination Evaluation Committee will meet in closed session on November 9, 2018. The primary purpose of the meeting is to discuss the relative merits of persons, teams, and companies nominated for the NMTI.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; USPTO Websites Customer Satisfaction Surveys
October 29, 2018
Request for Comments on Motion To Amend Practice and Procedures in Trial Proceedings Under the America Invents Act Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board
October 29, 2018 This Request for Comments seeks public input on certain practices and procedures that the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (``PTAB'' or ``Board'') of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (``Office'' or ``USPTO'') proposes regarding motions to amend filed in inter partes reviews (``IPR''), post-grant reviews (``PGR''), and covered business
Access to Relevant Prior Art Initiative
October 25, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is implementing the first phase of the Access to Relevant Prior Art Initiative (``RPA Initiative'') to import citations (e.g., bibliographic data on forms PTO/SB/08 and PTO-892) from the immediate parent application into the continuing application. The citations corresponding to the documents considered
Changes to the Claim Construction Standard for Interpreting Claims in Trial Proceedings Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board
October 11, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (``USPTO'' or ``Office'') revises the claim construction standard for interpreting claims in inter partes review (``IPR''), post-grant review (``PGR''), and the transitional program for covered business method patents (``CBM'') proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (``PTAB'' or ``Board''). In particular, the
International Work Sharing
September 28, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on a proposed extension of an existing information collection: 0651-0079 (International Work Sharing).
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Patent Reexamination and Supplemental Examinations”
September 28, 2018
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Fee Deficiency Submissions”
September 28, 2018
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Post Patent Public Submissions”
September 28, 2018
Patent Review and Derivation Proceedings
September 05, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 invites comments on a proposed extension of an existing information collection: 0651-0069 (Patent Review and Derivation Proceedings).
Matters Related to First Inventor To File
September 05, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act, invites comments on a proposed extension of an existing information collection: 0651-0069 (Matters Relating to First Inventor to File).
Patents for Humanity Program
September 05, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on a proposed extension of an existing information collection: 0651-0066 (Patents for Humanity Program).
Filing Patent Applications Electronically During Designated Significant Outages of the United States Patent and Trademark Office Electronic Business Systems
August 30, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) encourages applicants to file their patent applications via its electronic filing system (EFS-Web). The USPTO experiences occasional unplanned electronic business system outages, including unplanned system outages that preclude patent applicants and patentees from filing patent documents and fees via the electronic filing
Performance Review Board (PRB)
August 29, 2018 In conformance with the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, the United States Patent and Trademark Office announces the appointment of persons to serve as members of its Performance Review Board.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery”
August 15, 2018

Recent Federal Register Notices from the PTO