Federal Register Notices from the PTO

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. 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.
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.
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; Law School Clinic Certification Program
February 28, 2020
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Secrecy and License To Export
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; Post Allowance and Refiling
January 31, 2020
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Patent Law Treaty
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
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).
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).
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).
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
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
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
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
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).
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.
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; Practitioner Conduct and Discipline
February 26, 2019
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Madrid Protocol”
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
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
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
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. 8,260,416; 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.
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.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Matters Related to First Inventor to File”
November 21, 2018
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
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.
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
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; USPTO Websites Customer Satisfaction Surveys
October 29, 2018
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; “Post Patent Public Submissions”
September 28, 2018
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Fee Deficiency Submissions”
September 28, 2018
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Patent Reexamination and Supplemental Examinations”
September 28, 2018
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).
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).
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).
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
Office Patent Trial Practice Guide, August 2018 Update
August 13, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (``Office'') issued an update to the Office Patent Trial Practice Guide (``TPG'') in August 2018 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-Smith America
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Post Registration (Trademark Processing)”
August 02, 2018
Patent Public Advisory Committee Public Hearing on the Proposed Patent Fee Schedule
August 01, 2018 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, respectively. The USPTO currently is planning to propose to set or adjust patent fees pursuant to its Section
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Rules for Patent Maintenance Fees”
July 25, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act. Agency: United States Patent and Trademark Office, Commerce. Title: Rules for Patent Maintenance Fees. OMB
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Third-Party Submissions and Protests
July 23, 2018
Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Fee Deficiency Submissions
July 23, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public to comment on the proposed renewal of this information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Removal of Rules Governing Trademark Interferences
July 17, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) amends the Rules of Practice in Trademark Cases to remove the rules governing trademark interferences. This rule arises out of the USPTO's work during FY 2017 to identify and propose regulations for removal, modification, and streamlining because they are outdated,
National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Evaluation Committee Charter Renewal
July 06, 2018 The Acting Chief Financial Officer/Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Administration, and Deputy Assistant Secretary 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 13, 2018.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Trademark Petitions”
July 05, 2018
Patent Reexaminations and Supplemental Examinations
July 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: 0651-0064 (Patent Reexaminations and Supplemental Examinations).
USPTO Websites Customer Satisfaction Surveys
July 05, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on a proposed new information collection.
Patent Cooperation Treaty Collaborative Search and Examination Pilot Project Between the IP5 Offices
June 27, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the European Patent Office (EPO), the Japan Patent Office (JPO), the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) and the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China (SIPO), referred to collectively as the IP5 Offices, will launch a pilot project on
Post Patent Public Submissions
June 18, 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; 0651-0067: Post Patent Public Submissions.
Changes to the Trademark Rules of Practice To Mandate Electronic Filing
May 30, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) proposes to amend 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
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Ombudsman Survey
May 25, 2018
Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery
May 21, 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; 0651-0080: Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery.
Proposed Collection; Comment Request; “Rules for Patent Maintenance Fees”
May 21, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Patent and Trademark Public Advisory Committees
May 17, 2018 On November 29, 1999, the President signed into law the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act (the ``Act''), Public Law 106-113, 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
Changes to the Claim Construction Standard for Interpreting Claims in Trial Proceedings Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board
May 09, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (``USPTO'' or ``Office'') proposes changes to 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
Post Registration (Trademark Processing)
April 27, 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: 0651-0055 (Post Registration (Trademark Processing)).
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Application”
April 27, 2018
Submission of OMB Review; Comment Request; “Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) Program”
April 26, 2018
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Recording Assignments
April 26, 2018
Request for Comments on Determining Whether a Claim Element Is Well-Understood, Routine, Conventional for Purposes of Subject Matter Eligibility
April 20, 2018 The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (Federal Circuit) recently issued a decision regarding the inquiry of whether a claim limitation represents well-understood, routine, conventional activities (or elements) to a skilled artisan in the relevant field. Specifically, the Federal Circuit found that whether a claim element, or combination
Third-Party Submissions and Protests
April 17, 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: 0651-0062 (Third-Party Submissions and Protests).
Trademark Petitions
April 17, 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: 0651-0061 (Trademark Petitions).
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Public Search Facility User ID and Badging”
April 17, 2018
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Certificate Action Form”
April 17, 2018
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Fastener Quality Act Insignia Recordal Process
March 29, 2018
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “National Summer Teacher Institute”
March 21, 2018
Ombudsman Survey
March 19, 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.
National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Application
February 14, 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: 0651-0060 (National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Application).
Patent Prosecution Highway Program
February 14, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), invites comments on a proposed extension of an existing information collection: 0651-0058 (Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) Program).
Manual of Patent Examining Procedure, Ninth Edition, Revision of January 2018
January 31, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (``USPTO'') issued a revision of the ninth edition of the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (``MPEP'') in January 2018 to provide updated information on patent examination policy and procedure (``January 2018 revision''). The MPEP is published to provide patent examiners and the public
Recording Assignments
January 29, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Financial Transactions
January 29, 2018
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Certificate Action Form
January 29, 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: 0651-0045 (Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Certificate Action Form).
Public Search Facility User ID and Badging
January 29, 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: 0651-0041 (Public Search Facility User ID and Badging).
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Representative and Address Provisions”
January 29, 2018
Changes To Eliminate Unnecessary Regulations
January 19, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) proposes to remove its regulations governing reservation clauses, petitions from the refusal of a primary examiner to admit an amendment, the publication of amendments to the regulations, and limits that the Director can impose on the number of inter partes
Changes in Requirements for Collective Trademarks and Service Marks, Collective Membership Marks, and Certification Marks; Correction
January 12, 2018 The United States Patent and Trademark Office published in the Federal Register on June 11, 2015 a final rule, which became effective on July 11, 2015, revising the Trademark Rules of Practice. This document reinstates three paragraphs, which were inadvertently deleted as a result of an error in the amendatory
Fastener Quality Act Insignia Recordal Process
January 10, 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: 0651-0028 (Fastener Quality Act Insignia Recordal Act).
Extension of the Extended Missing Parts Pilot Program
January 10, 2018 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
National Summer Teacher Institute
January 10, 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.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Admission To Practice
December 26, 2017
Notice of Public Meeting on Developing the Digital Marketplace for Copyrighted Works
December 22, 2017 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 January 25, 2018, to discuss current initiatives and technologies used to develop a more robust and collaborative digital marketplace for copyrighted works.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Patent and Trademark Resource Center Metrics”
December 21, 2017
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request on; “Applications for Trademark Registration”
December 21, 2017
International Trademark Classification Changes
December 01, 2017 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, 2018, and are listed in
Patent and Trademark Financial Transactions
November 15, 2017 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.
Setting and Adjusting Patent Fees During Fiscal Year 2017
November 14, 2017 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). The USPTO operates like a business in that external and internal factors affect the demand for patent products and services. The fee adjustments are
Rule on Attorney-Client Privilege for Trials Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board
November 07, 2017 This final rule on attorney-client privilege amends the existing rules relating to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office or USPTO) trial practice for inter partes review, post- grant review, the transitional program for covered business method patents, and derivation proceedings that implemented provisions of the Leahy-Smith America Invents
Expanded Collaborative Search Pilot Program
October 30, 2017 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) conducted two separate Collaborative Search Pilot Programs (CSPs) during the period of 2015 through 2017. One of these programs was conducted with the Japan Patent Office (JPO) and the other with the Korean Intellectual Patent Office (KIPO). Improvements in patent quality and
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Substantive Submissions Made During the Prosecution of the Trademark Application
October 18, 2017
Admission To Practice and Roster of Registered Patent Attorneys and Agents Admitted To Practice Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
October 18, 2017 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on a proposed information collection proposed extension of an existing information collection.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Patent Examiner Employment Application”
October 18, 2017
Removal of Rules Governing Trademark Interferences
October 18, 2017 Consistent 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 amend the Rules of Practice in Trademark Cases to remove the rules governing trademark interferences. This proposed rule
Representative and Address Provisions
October 18, 2017 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), invites comment on a proposed extension of an existing information collection: 0651-0035 (Representative and Address Provisions).
Cash Payment Method Will No Longer Be Accepted
October 03, 2017 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will no longer accept cash, including coins, as payment for products and services for which fees are required.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Patent Petitions Related to Application and Reexamination Processing Fees
September 29, 2017
Applications for Trademark Registration
September 29, 2017 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: 0651-0009 (Applications for Trademark Registration).
Patent and Trademark Resource Centers Metrics
September 25, 2017 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1996, invites comments on a proposed extension of an existing information collection: 0651-0068 (Patent and Trademark Resource Center Metrics).
Submissions for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Submissions Regarding Correspondence and Regarding Attorney Representation (Trademarks)”
September 25, 2017
Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 6,100,082; OCSTM
September 22, 2017 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. 6,100,082.
Notice of Roundtable on Intellectual Property and Trade Shows
September 14, 2017 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will host a roundtable discussion at its headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, on October 18, 2017, on addressing intellectual property infringements at trade shows.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “International Design Applications (Hague Agreement)”
September 11, 2017
Performance Review Board (PRB)
August 16, 2017 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.
Patent Examiner Employment Application
August 11, 2017 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: 0651-0042 (Patent Examiner Employment Application).
Substantive Submissions Made During Prosecution of the Trademark Application
July 25, 2017 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on a a proposed extension of an existing information collection.
Patent Petitions Related to Application and Reexamination Processing Fees
July 25, 2017 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.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Responses to Office Action and Voluntary Amendment Forms”
July 25, 2017
Miscellaneous Changes to Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Rules of Practice; Clarification
July 21, 2017 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (``USPTO'') published in the Federal Register on October 7, 2016 a final rule, which became effective on January 14, 2017, revising the Rules of Practice before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. This document clarifies certain provisions of the rules of practice regarding
Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 7,179,464; Benralizumab
July 20, 2017 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. 7,179,464.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Global Intellectual Property Academy (GIPA) Surveys
July 06, 2017
Information Collection; Submissions Regarding Correspondence and Regarding Attorney Representation (Trademarks)
July 06, 2017 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: 0651-0056 (Submissions Regarding Correspondence and Regarding Attorney Representation (Trademarks).
Notice of Public Meeting on Voluntary Initiatives To Combat Infringement of Intellectual Property in the Online Environment; Cancellation
July 05, 2017 The United States Patent and Trademark Office published a notice in the Federal Register of June 22, 2017, concerning a public meeting on measuring the impact of voluntary initiatives undertaken to reduce intellectual property infringement, scheduled for July 17, 2017, at its headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. This notice announces that
International Design Applications (Hague Agreement)
June 30, 2017 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: 0651-0075 (International Design Applications (Hague Agreement)).
Patent and Trademark Public Advisory Committees
June 30, 2017 On November 29, 1999, the President signed into law the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act (the ``Act''), Public Law 106-113, 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
Notice of Roundtable Related to Fraudulent Solicitations
June 29, 2017 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (``USPTO'') and its Trademark Public Advisory Committee will host a free public roundtable on fraudulent and misleading solicitations that are directed to trademark holders, to further public awareness of the problem, to provide U.S. Government officials with more information about its scope, and
Revival of Abandoned Applications, Reinstatement of Abandoned Applications and Cancelled or Expired Registrations, and Petitions to the Director
June 29, 2017 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office or USPTO) amends its rules regarding petitions to revive an abandoned trademark application and petitions to the Director of the USPTO (Director) regarding other trademark matters and to codify USPTO practice regarding requests for reinstatement of abandoned trademark applications and cancelled or
Extension of the Cancer Immunotherapy Pilot Program
June 23, 2017 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 80 petitions requesting participation in the pilot
Notice of Public Meeting on Voluntary Initiatives To Combat Infringement of Intellectual Property in the Online Environment
June 22, 2017 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will host a public meeting at its headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, on July 17, 2017, on measuring the impact of voluntary initiatives undertaken to reduce intellectual property infringement, such as copyright piracy and trademark counterfeiting, that occurs online.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) Actions
May 26, 2017
Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 5,912,231; LOCILEX® (pexiganan)
May 26, 2017 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. 5,912,231.
July 2017 Revision of Patent Cooperation Treaty Procedures
May 26, 2017 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) is amending the rules of practice to implement certain amendments made to the Regulations under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) that will take effect on July 1, 2017, concerning the transmittal by a Receiving Office to an International Searching Authority
Responses to Office Action and Voluntary Amendment Forms
May 16, 2017 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: 0651-0050 (Responses to Office Action and Voluntary Amendment Forms).
Improving the Accuracy of the Trademark Register: Request for Comments on Possible Streamlined Version of Cancellation Proceedings on Grounds of Abandonment and Nonuse
May 16, 2017 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (``USPTO'') seeks comments from stakeholders, mark owners, and all those interested in the maintenance of an accurate U.S. Trademark Register, on the establishment of a streamlined version of the existing inter partes abandonment and nonuse grounds for cancellation before the USPTO's Trademark Trial
Global Intellectual Property Academy (GIPA) Surveys
May 03, 2017 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), invites comments on a proposed extension of an existing information collection.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Patent Trial Appeal Board (PTAB) Actions
April 26, 2017
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Initial Patent Applications
April 26, 2017
Notice of Public Meeting on Developments in Trade Secret Protection
April 11, 2017 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will be holding a public symposium on issues relevant to the protection of trade secrets. Since our last symposium on these issues in January 2015, the area of trade secret protection has continued to develop, most notably with the May 11, 2016,
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Native American Tribal Insignia Database
March 22, 2017
Trademark and Trial Appeal Board (TTAB) Actions
March 22, 2017 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 invites public comments about the proposed extension of an existing information collection: Trademark and Trial Appeal Board (TTAB) Actions.
Public Meeting on Consumer Messaging in Connection With Online Transactions Involving Copyrighted Works
March 21, 2017 The Department of Commerce's Internet Policy Task Force (Task Force) will host a public meeting at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) facility in Alexandria, Virginia, on April 18, 2017, to discuss how best to communicate to consumers regarding license terms and restrictions in connection with online transactions
Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) Actions
February 17, 2017 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), invites comments on a proposed extension of an existing information collection: Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) Actions.
Initial Patent Applications
February 16, 2017 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 information collection: Initial Patent Applications.
Changes in Requirements for Affidavits or Declarations of Use, Continued Use, or Excusable Nonuse in Trademark Cases
February 10, 2017 In accordance with the memorandum of January 20, 2017, from the Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, entitled ``Regulatory Freeze Pending Review,'' this action delays for 60 days the effective date of the final rule entitled ``Changes in Requirements for Affidavits or Declarations of Use, Continued Use, or
Changes in Requirements for Affidavits or Declarations of Use, Continued Use, or Excusable Nonuse in Trademark Cases
January 19, 2017 In order to assess and promote the accuracy and integrity of the trademark register, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) amends its rules concerning the examination of affidavits or declarations of continued use or excusable nonuse filed pursuant to section 8 of the Trademark Act, or
Reopening of the Period for Comments on a Preliminary Draft Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Currently Being Negotiated at The Hague Conference on Private International Law
January 13, 2017 The United States Patent and Trademark Office is publishing this notice to reopen the comment period provided in its notice of November 18, 2016, entitled Request for Comments and Notice of Public Meeting on a Preliminary Draft Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Currently Being Negotiated at
Request for Comments Regarding the Continuation of the Accelerated Examination Program
January 12, 2017 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is requesting comments from its stakeholders on whether the accelerated examination program should be retained. In an August 16, 2016 notice updating the program to reflect changes in the law and examination practice, the USPTO indicated that the number of accelerated examination
Extension of the Extended Missing Parts Pilot Program
December 21, 2016 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
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Secrecy and License To Export
December 20, 2016
Miscellaneous Changes to Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Rules of Practice; Correction
December 12, 2016 The United States Patent and Trademark Office published in the Federal Register on October 7, 2016 a final rule, which will become effective on January 14, 2017, revising the Rules of Practice before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. This document corrects errors in certain cross-references, clarifies the manner of
Native American Tribal Insignia Database
December 05, 2016 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), is proposing an extension of an existing information collection; the Native American Tribal Insignia Database.
Notice of Roundtables and Extension of the Period for Comments on Examination Time Goals
November 30, 2016 The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office or USPTO) previously announced information for roundtables in Alexandria, Virginia, and Dallas, Texas, to solicit public feedback as part of an effort to reevaluate its examination time goals. Examination time goals vary by technology and represent the average amount of time that

Recent Federal Register Notices from the PTO