{"description":"Documents matching 'compliance statutory regulatory patent matters'","count":1708,"total_pages":50,"next_page_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/documents?conditions%5Bterm%5D=compliance+statutory+regulatory+patent+matters&format=json&page=2","results":[{"title":"Required Use by Foreign Applicants and Patent Owners of a Patent Practitioner","type":"Rule","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) is amending the Rules of Practice in Patent Cases to require patent applicants and patent owners whose domicile is not located within the United States (U.S.) or its territories (hereinafter foreign applicants/inventors and patent owners) to be represented by a registered patent practitioner. A requirement that foreign applicants/ inventors and patent owners be represented by a registered patent practitioner will bring the U.S. in line with most other countries that require that such parties be represented by a licensed or registered person of that country. Additionally, this requirement will increase efficiency and enable the USPTO to more effectively use available mechanisms to enforce compliance by all foreign applicants/inventors and patent owners with U.S. statutory and regulatory requirements in patent matters, and enhance the USPTO's ability to respond to false certifications, misrepresentations, and fraud.","document_number":"2026-05564","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/20/2026-05564/required-use-by-foreign-applicants-and-patent-owners-of-a-patent-practitioner","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-03-20/pdf/2026-05564.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-05564.pdf?1773924326","publication_date":"2026-03-20","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"usually require patent examiners to spend additional examination time on procedural matters, thereby increasing overall patent application pendency. Implementing this final rule will help allocate USPTO resources to the merits of examination and, accordingly, decrease patent application processing times.\n \n C. Enforce Compliance With U.S. Statutory and Regulatory Requirements \n \n The requirement for representation by a registered patent practitioner is also necessary to enforce compliance by all foreign patent applicants/inventors and patent owners with"},{"title":"Required Use by Foreign Applicants and Patent Owners of a Patent Practitioner","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) is proposing to amend the Rules of Practice in Patent Cases to require patent applicants and patent owners whose domicile is not located within the United States (U.S.) or its territories (hereinafter foreign applicants/inventors and patent owners) to be represented by a registered patent practitioner. A requirement that foreign applicants/ inventors and patent owners be represented by a registered patent practitioner would bring the United States in line with most other countries that require that such parties be represented by a licensed or registered person of that country. Additionally, this requirement would increase efficiency and enable the USPTO to more effectively use available mechanisms to enforce compliance by all foreign applicants/ inventors and patent owners with U.S. statutory and regulatory requirements in patent matters, and enhance the USPTO's ability to respond to false certifications, misrepresentations, and fraud.","document_number":"2025-23917","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/29/2025-23917/required-use-by-foreign-applicants-and-patent-owners-of-a-patent-practitioner","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-12-29/pdf/2025-23917.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-23917.pdf?1766497523","publication_date":"2025-12-29","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"United States Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"usually require patent examiners to spend examination time on procedural matters, thereby increasing overall patent application pendency. Implementing this proposed rule would help allocate USPTO resources to the merits of examination and, accordingly, decrease patent application processing times.\n \n C. Enforce Compliance With U.S. Statutory and Regulatory Requirements \n \n The requirement for representation by a registered patent practitioner is also necessary to enforce compliance by all foreign patent applicants/inventors and patent owners with U"},{"title":"Revision to Rules of Practice Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) proposes modifications to the rules of practice for inter partes review (IPR) before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB or Board) that the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of USPTO and, by delegation, the PTAB will use in instituting IPR.","document_number":"2025-19580","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/10/17/2025-19580/revision-to-rules-of-practice-before-the-patent-trial-and-appeal-board","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-10-17/pdf/2025-19580.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-19580.pdf?1760618706","publication_date":"2025-10-17","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"particular patent claim meets the statutory requirements, patents cannot serve their economic function if they are perpetually subject to \n de novo \n review. Consider a hypothetical patent claim where 70% of experienced patent practitioners would conclude that the claim was properly granted, and 30% would oppose that conclusion. Such a patent claim seems reliable, because a substantial majority of practitioners believe it is patentable and was properly issued. However, if the patent is subjected to repeated \n de novo \n patentability review each"},{"title":"Representation of Others in Design Patent Matters Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office","type":"Rule","abstract":"The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) is amending the rules of practice in patent cases and the rules regarding the representation of others before the USPTO by creating a separate design patent practitioner bar whereby admitted design patent practitioners would practice in design patent proceedings only. Prior to this rulemaking, there was only one patent bar that applied to those who practice in patent matters before the Office, including in utility, plant, and design patents. The creation of a design patent practitioner bar does not impact the ability of those already registered to practice in any patent matters before the USPTO to continue to practice in any patent matters, including design patent matters, before the Office. Furthermore, it does not impact the ability of applicants for registration who meet the criteria to practice in all patent matters from qualifying for and upon passing the current registration exam, practicing in any patent matters before the Office, including design patent matters. Expanding the admission criteria of the patent bar encourages broader participation and keeps up with the ever-evolving technology and related teachings that qualify someone to practice before the USPTO. The Manual of Patent Examining Procedure will be updated in accordance with this final rule in due course.","document_number":"2023-25234","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/11/16/2023-25234/representation-of-others-in-design-patent-matters-before-the-united-states-patent-and-trademark","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-11-16/pdf/2023-25234.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-25234.pdf?1700055935","publication_date":"2023-11-16","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"those already registered to practice in any patent matters before the USPTO to continue to practice in any patent matters, including design patent matters, before the Office. Furthermore, it does not impact the ability of applicants for registration who meet the criteria to practice in all patent matters from qualifying for and upon passing the current registration exam, practicing in any patent matters before the Office, including design patent matters. Expanding the admission criteria of the patent bar encourages broader participation and keeps"},{"title":"Setting and Adjusting Patent Fees During Fiscal Year 2025","type":"Rule","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) sets or adjusts patent 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 fee adjustments are needed to provide the USPTO with sufficient aggregate revenue to recover the aggregate estimated costs of patent operations in future years (based on assumptions and estimates found in the agency's Fiscal Year 2025 Congressional Justification (FY 2025 Budget)), including implementing the USPTO 2022-2026 Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan).","document_number":"2024-26821","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/11/20/2024-26821/setting-and-adjusting-patent-fees-during-fiscal-year-2025","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-11-20/pdf/2024-26821.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-26821.pdf?1732023917","publication_date":"2024-11-20","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"requirements, aggregate costs, and related assumptions for the Patents program is available in the FY 2025 Budget. \n \n The USPTO estimates that the Patents program will cost $3.973 billion in FY 2025, including $2.835 billion for patent examining; $90 million for patent trial and appeals; $159 million for patent information resources; $24 million for activities related to IP protection, policy, and enforcement; and $866 million for general support costs necessary for patent operations (\n e.g., \n the patent share of rent, utilities, legal, financial, human resources"},{"title":"Terminal Disclaimer Practice To Obviate Nonstatutory Double Patenting","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"The USPTO proposes to amend the rules of practice to add a new requirement for an acceptable terminal disclaimer that is filed to obviate (that is, overcome) nonstatutory double patenting. The proposed rule change would require terminal disclaimers filed to obviate nonstatutory double patenting to include an agreement by the disclaimant that the patent in which the terminal disclaimer is filed, or any patent granted on an application in which a terminal disclaimer is filed, will be enforceable only if the patent is not tied and has never been tied directly or indirectly to a patent by one or more terminal disclaimers filed to obviate nonstatutory double patenting in which: any claim has been finally held unpatentable or invalid as anticipated or obvious by a Federal court in a civil action or by the USPTO, and all appeal rights have been exhausted; or a statutory disclaimer of a claim is filed after any challenge based on anticipation or obviousness to that claim has been made. This action is being taken to prevent multiple patents directed to obvious variants of an invention from potentially deterring competition and to promote innovation and competition by allowing a competitor to avoid enforcement of patents tied by one or more terminal disclaimers to another patent having a claim finally held unpatentable or invalid over prior art.","document_number":"2024-10166","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/05/10/2024-10166/terminal-disclaimer-practice-to-obviate-nonstatutory-double-patenting","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-05-10/pdf/2024-10166.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-10166.pdf?1715258715","publication_date":"2024-05-10","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"multiple patents with claims that vary in only minor ways from each other. A patent owner may also, under certain circumstances (for example, when two applications are filed on the same day), obtain patents that are not part of the same patent family for obvious variants of an invention. As a result, obviousness-type double patenting (also referred to as nonstatutory double patenting) may exist between patents and/or applications in the same patent family or in a different patent family. Under the doctrine of obviousness-type double patenting, the USPTO"},{"title":"Rules Governing Director Review of Patent Trial and Appeal Board Decisions","type":"Rule","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) is adding a new rule to govern the process for the review of Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB or Board) decisions in Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) proceedings by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (Director). The new rule promotes the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of PTAB decision-making in AIA proceedings.","document_number":"2024-22194","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/01/2024-22194/rules-governing-director-review-of-patent-trial-and-appeal-board-decisions","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-10-01/pdf/2024-22194.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-22194.pdf?1727700322","publication_date":"2024-10-01","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"made up of administrative patent judges (APJs) and four statutory members, namely the Director, the Deputy Director, the Commissioner for Patents, and the Commissioner for Trademarks. 35 U.S.C. 6(a). The Director is appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. 35 U.S.C. 3(a)(1). APJs are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce in consultation with the Director. \n Id. \n section 6(a). The PTAB hears and decides ex parte appeals of adverse decisions by examiners in applications for patents, applications for reissue,"},{"title":"Discontinuation of the Accelerated Examination Program for Utility Applications","type":"Rule","abstract":"In order to efficiently allocate examination-related resources to address pendency, and in view of the low number of requests for Accelerated Examination and the availability of a statutory program to expedite the prosecution of applications (Track One, prioritized examination), the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is discontinuing the Accelerated Examination program for utility applications. The USPTO is also modifying the rules of practice to clarify the grounds for which a petition to make special may be granted and when a fee is required for such petition.","document_number":"2025-10498","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/10/2025-10498/discontinuation-of-the-accelerated-examination-program-for-utility-applications","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-06-10/pdf/2025-10498.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-10498.pdf?1749473117","publication_date":"2025-06-10","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"Examination program filed on or after July 10, 2025 in utility applications. \n \n \n FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: \n Pinchus M. Laufer, Senior Patent Attorney, Office of Patent Legal Administration, at 571-272-7726; or Brannon Smith, Legal Advisor, Office of Patent Legal Administration, at 571-270-1601. \n \n \n \n SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: \n \n I. Background \n \n USPTO regulations at 37 CFR 1.102 provide that patent applications may be advanced out of turn for examination based on a “petition to make an application special.” In June 2006, the USPTO published"},{"title":"Expanding Opportunities To Appear Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board","type":"Rule","abstract":"As part of its initiatives to expand access to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office), the USPTO modifies the rules regarding representation by counsel at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB or Board) in proceedings under the Leahy- Smith America Invents Act (AIA proceedings) to: permit parties to proceed without back-up counsel upon a showing of good cause, such as a lack of resources to hire two counsel; establish a streamlined alternative procedure for recognizing counsel pro hac vice that is available when counsel has previously been recognized pro hac vice in a different PTAB proceeding; and clarify that those recognized pro hac vice have a duty to inform the Board of subsequent events that render inaccurate or incomplete representations they made to obtain pro hac vice recognition.","document_number":"2024-23319","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/10/2024-23319/expanding-opportunities-to-appear-before-the-patent-trial-and-appeal-board","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-10-10/pdf/2024-23319.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-23319.pdf?1728477917","publication_date":"2024-10-10","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"established a separate design patent bar that is open to applicants who previously would not have been eligible to practice before the Office. See Expanding Admission Criteria for Registration To Practice in Patent Cases Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, 88 FR 31249 (May 16, 2023); Representation of Others in Design Patent Matters Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, 88 FR 78644 (November 16, 2023). In this final rule, the USPTO updates the rules governing practice before the Board to simplify and streamline the \n"},{"title":"Rules Governing Motion To Amend Practice and Procedures in Trial Proceedings Under the America Invents Act Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board","type":"Rule","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office or USPTO) modifies its rules of practice governing amendment practice in trial proceedings under the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) to make permanent certain provisions of the Office's motion to amend pilot program (MTA pilot program) and to revise the rules that allocate burdens of persuasion in connection with motions to amend (MTAs). These rules provide a patent owner with the option of issuance of preliminary guidance in response to an MTA and the option of filing one additional revised MTA. Further, these rules clarify that a preponderance of evidence standard applies to any new ground of unpatentability raised by the Board, and that when exercising the discretion to grant or deny an MTA or to raise a new ground of unpatentability, the Board may consider all evidence of record in the proceeding. The rules further provide that the Board may consider information identified in response to a Board-initiated request for examination assistance, and that the results of that assistance will be added to the record. The rules better ensure the Office's role of issuing robust and reliable patents, and the predictability and certainty of post-grant trial proceedings before the Board. These rules relate to the Office trial practice for inter partes review (IPR), post-grant review (PGR), and derivation proceedings that implemented provisions of the AIA providing for trials before the Office.","document_number":"2024-21134","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/09/18/2024-21134/rules-governing-motion-to-amend-practice-and-procedures-in-trial-proceedings-under-the-america","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-09-18/pdf/2024-21134.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-21134.pdf?1726577117","publication_date":"2024-09-18","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"Trials before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and Judicial Review of Patent Trial and Appeal Board Decisions, 77 FR 48612 (August. 14, 2012); Changes to Implement \n Inter Partes \n Review Proceedings, Post-Grant Review Proceedings, and Transitional Program for Covered Business Method Patents, 77 FR 48680 (August 14, 2012); Transitional Program for Covered Business Method Patents—Definitions of Covered Business Method Patent and Technological Invention, 77 FR 48734 (August. 14, 2012). Additionally, the Office published a Patent Trial Practice Guide"},{"title":"Rules Governing Pre-Issuance Internal Circulation and Review of Decisions Within the Patent Trial and Appeal Board","type":"Rule","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (\"USPTO\" or \"Office\") is amending the rules of practice before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (\"PTAB\" or \"Board\") to add a new rule governing the pre-issuance circulation and review of decisions within the PTAB. The rule promotes the efficient delivery of reliable intellectual property rights by promoting consistent, clear, and open decision-making processes at the PTAB.","document_number":"2024-12823","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/06/12/2024-12823/rules-governing-pre-issuance-internal-circulation-and-review-of-decisions-within-the-patent-trial","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-06-12/pdf/2024-12823.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-12823.pdf?1718109928","publication_date":"2024-06-12","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"Management Judge \n means the Chief Administrative Patent Judge, the Deputy Chief Administrative Patent Judge, a \n \n Vice Chief Administrative Patent Judge, a Senior Lead Administrative Patent Judge, a Lead Administrative Patent Judge, including individuals who serve in these positions in an acting capacity, or any other Administrative Patent Judge who, as part of their duties, serves as the rating official of one or more Administrative Patent Judges.\n \n \n Office \n means the United States Patent and Trademark Office.\n \n \n Panel \n means the members"},{"title":"Updating the Water Quality Certification Regulations","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is publishing this proposed rule to update and clarify several substantive and procedural requirements for water quality certification under Clean Water Act (CWA or the Act) section 401. CWA section 401 is a direct grant of authority to States (and Tribes that have been approved for \"treatment as a State\" status) to review for compliance with appropriate Federal, State, and Tribal water quality requirements any discharge into waters of the United States that may result from a proposed activity that requires a Federal license or permit. This proposed rule is intended to clarify several aspects of the certification process consistent with the statutory framework.","document_number":"2026-00754","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/15/2026-00754/updating-the-water-quality-certification-regulations","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-01-15/pdf/2026-00754.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-00754.pdf?1768398323","publication_date":"2026-01-15","agencies":[{"raw_name":"ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY","name":"Environmental Protection Agency","id":145,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/environmental-protection-agency","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/145","parent_id":null,"slug":"environmental-protection-agency"}],"excerpts":"decision, and the modification process. The Agency is also adding regulatory text regarding withdrawal and resubmittal of requests for certification, removing regulatory text on the automatic extension process to the reasonable period of time, and removing regulatory text regarding “treatment in a similar manner as a State” (TAS) for Tribes and instead relying on the existing regulatory process for TAS for section 303(c). The proposed rule, while focused on the relevant statutory provisions and case law interpreting those provisions, is informed"},{"title":"Request for Information Pertaining to the CFIUS Known Investor Program and Streamlining the Foreign Investment Review Process","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"The Office of Investment Security, within the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury Department), is seeking public input on how the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) may streamline aspects of its foreign investment review process, including through the Known Investor Program as described below, while maintaining its rigorous analysis that identifies and addresses national security risk. This request for information (RFI) may inform CFIUS's development of statutory and/or regulatory reform proposals to increase efficiencies. The Treasury Department plans to make all submissions publicly available at https://www.regulations.gov.","document_number":"2026-02481","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/09/2026-02481/request-for-information-pertaining-to-the-cfius-known-investor-program-and-streamlining-the-foreign","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-02-09/pdf/2026-02481.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-02481.pdf?1770385509","publication_date":"2026-02-09","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY","name":"Treasury Department","id":497,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/treasury-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/497","parent_id":null,"slug":"treasury-department"},{"raw_name":"Office of Investment Security","name":"Investment Security Office","id":603,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/investment-security-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/603","parent_id":497,"slug":"investment-security-office"}],"excerpts":"case-by-case analysis of national security risks. While feedback related to policy or procedural changes may not require statutory or regulatory changes, the Treasury Department also welcomes suggestions that may require regulatory change or legislative enactments. \n 30. What features of current CFIUS processes could be simplified or streamlined for repeat filers or first-time filers? \n 31. Are there opportunities to better calibrate the regulatory impact of current CFIUS processes by industry sector, type of investment or investor, or other characteristics"},{"title":"Rules Governing Director Review of Patent Trial and Appeal Board Decisions","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) proposes new rules to govern the process for the review of Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB or Board) decisions in America Invents Act (AIA) proceedings by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (Director). Specifically, the USPTO proposes these rules in light of stakeholder feedback received in response to a request for comments (RFC). The proposed rules promote the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of PTAB decision-making in Leahy-Smith America Invents Act of 2011 (AIA) proceedings.","document_number":"2024-07759","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/16/2024-07759/rules-governing-director-review-of-patent-trial-and-appeal-board-decisions","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-04-16/pdf/2024-07759.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-07759.pdf?1713185117","publication_date":"2024-04-16","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"Director Review Executive; Kalyan Deshpande, Vice Chief Administrative Patent Judge; or Amanda Wieker, Acting Vice Chief Administrative Patent Judge, at 571-272-9797. \n \n \n \n SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: \n \n The United States Patent and Trademark Office proposes new rules governing the process for the review of Patent Trial and Appeal Board decisions in AIA proceedings by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director \n 1 \n \n of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.\n \n \n \n 1 \n In this notice of proposed rulemaking"},{"title":"Setting and Adjusting Patent Fees During Fiscal Year 2025","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) proposes to set or adjust patent 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 fee adjustments are needed to provide the USPTO with sufficient aggregate revenue to recover the aggregate costs of patent operations in future years (based on assumptions and estimates found in the agency's Fiscal Year 2025 Congressional Justification (FY 2025 Budget)), including implementing the USPTO 2022-2026 Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan).","document_number":"2024-06250","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/03/2024-06250/setting-and-adjusting-patent-fees-during-fiscal-year-2025","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-04-03/pdf/2024-06250.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-06250.pdf?1712061914","publication_date":"2024-04-03","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"requirements, aggregate costs, and related assumptions for the Patents program is available in the FY 2025 Budget. \n \n The USPTO estimates that the Patents program will cost $3.973 billion in FY 2025, including $2.835 billion for patent examining; $90 million for patent trial and appeals; $159 million for patent information resources; $24 million for activities related to IP protection, policy, and enforcement; and $866 million for general support costs necessary for patent operations (\n e.g., \n the patent share of rent, utilities, legal, financial, human resources"},{"title":"Changes to the Representation of Others in Design Patent Matters Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) proposes to amend the rules of practice in patent cases and the rules regarding the representation of others before the USPTO to create a separate design patent practitioner bar whereby admitted design patent practitioners would practice in design patent proceedings only. Presently, there is only one patent bar that applies to those who practice in patent matters before the Office, including in utility, plant, and design patents. The potential creation of a design patent practitioner bar would not impact the ability of those already registered to practice in any patent matters, including design patent matters, before the USPTO to continue to practice in any patent matters before the Office. Furthermore, it would not impact the ability of applicants for registration who meet the current criteria, including qualifying for and passing the current registration exam, to practice in any patent matters before the Office, including design patent matters. Expanding the admission criteria of the patent bar would encourage broader participation and keep up with the ever-evolving technology and related teachings that qualify someone to practice before the USPTO.","document_number":"2023-10410","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/05/16/2023-10410/changes-to-the-representation-of-others-in-design-patent-matters-before-the-united-states-patent-and","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-05-16/pdf/2023-10410.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-10410.pdf?1684154725","publication_date":"2023-05-16","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"before the USPTO to create a separate design patent practitioner bar in which admitted design patent practitioners would practice in design patent proceedings only. Presently, there is only one patent bar that applies to those who practice in patent matters before the Office, including in the utility, plant, and design patent areas. The potential creation of a design patent practitioner bar would not impact the ability of those already registered to practice in any patent matters, including design patent matters, before the USPTO. Furthermore, it would"},{"title":"Establishment Registration and Product Listing for Tobacco Products","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, the Agency, or we) is proposing regulations to prescribe the format, content, and procedures for establishment registration and tobacco product listing. Complete and accurate establishment registration and product listing information is important to accomplish statutory, regulatory, and public health objectives. Currently, only domestic owners and operators are required to register their establishments and list their tobacco products with FDA while foreign owners and operators are not subject to these requirements, creating significant gaps in Agency information. This action, if finalized, would extend registration and listing requirements to include owners and operators of foreign establishments.","document_number":"2026-13047","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/29/2026-13047/establishment-registration-and-product-listing-for-tobacco-products","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-29/pdf/2026-13047.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-13047.pdf?1782477915","publication_date":"2026-06-29","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Food and Drug Administration","name":"Food and Drug Administration","id":199,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/food-and-drug-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/199","parent_id":221,"slug":"food-and-drug-administration"}],"excerpts":"Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) has determined that this proposed rule is a significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866. \n Executive Order 14192 requires that any new incremental costs associated with certain significant regulatory actions “shall, to the extent permitted by law, be offset by the elimination of existing costs associated with at least 10 prior regulations.” This proposed rule, if finalized as proposed, is expected to be an E.O. 14192 regulatory action. \n The Regulatory Flexibility Act requires us to analyze regulatory options"},{"title":"Expanding Opportunities To Appear Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"As part of its initiatives to expand access to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office), the USPTO proposes to amend the rules regarding admission to practice before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB or Board) in proceedings under the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA proceedings) to give parties the option to designate non-registered practitioners who are recognized pro hac vice (i.e., granted recognition in a specific PTAB proceeding) as lead counsel; excuse parties from the requirement to designate back-up counsel upon a showing of good cause such as a lack of resources to hire two counsel; establish a streamlined alternative procedure for recognizing counsel pro hac vice that is available when counsel has previously been recognized pro hac vice in a different PTAB proceeding; and clarify that those recognized pro hac vice have a duty to inform the Board of subsequent events that render inaccurate or incomplete representations they made to obtain pro hac vice recognition.","document_number":"2024-03523","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/02/21/2024-03523/expanding-opportunities-to-appear-before-the-patent-trial-and-appeal-board","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-02-21/pdf/2024-03523.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-03523.pdf?1708436731","publication_date":"2024-02-21","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"practitioner,” as used in parts 41 and 42, and the term “USPTO patent practitioner,” as used in § 42.57, encompasses “design patent practitioners,” as defined in § 11.1.” 88 FR 78649. For clarity, the USPTO reminds the public that § 11.5(b)(2) authorizes design patent practitioners to “draft[ ] a communication for an interference, derivation, and/or reexamination proceeding, a petition, an appeal to or any other design patent proceeding before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, or any other design patent proceeding.” \n Id. \n \n Discussion of Proposed Rule Changes"},{"title":"International Trademark Classification Changes","type":"Rule","abstract":"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 Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks (Nice Classification), which is published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and will become effective on January 1, 2026.","document_number":"2025-19358","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/10/02/2025-19358/international-trademark-classification-changes","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-10-02/pdf/2025-19358.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-19358.pdf?1759322730","publication_date":"2025-10-02","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"Patent and Trademark Office","name":"Patent and Trademark Office","id":402,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/patent-and-trademark-office","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/402","parent_id":54,"slug":"patent-and-trademark-office"}],"excerpts":"the agency.' ” (quoting \n Batterton \n v. \n Marshall, \n 648 F.2d 694, 707 (D.C. Cir. 1980))).\n \n \n B. Regulatory Flexibility Act: \n As prior notice and an opportunity for public comment are not required pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law, neither a Regulatory Flexibility Act analysis nor a certification under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 \n et seq. \n ) is required. \n See \n 5 U.S.C. 603.\n \n \n C. Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review): \n This rulemaking has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive"},{"title":"HHS Acquisition Regulation: Regulatory Review","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is proposing to amend and update its Health and Human Services Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR) to update and streamline the HHSAR. Under this initiative, all parts of the regulation were reviewed to streamline the regulation, to revise or remove policy superseded by changes in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), to remove any procedural guidance that is internal to HHS into a new HHS Acquisition Manual (HHSAM) as internal policies, guidance, and instructions. The rule would add new coverage to implement agency unique requirements. The HHSAR would also be updated to reflect organizational changes in the Department, incorporate recent statutory changes and government mandates, and to accomplish editorial revisions for clarification.","document_number":"2024-17095","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/03/2024-17095/hhs-acquisition-regulation-regulatory-review","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-10-03/pdf/2024-17095.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-17095.pdf?1727873117","publication_date":"2024-10-03","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"}],"excerpts":"paragraph (b) to the HHSAM as agency procedures. \n Regulatory Reviews \n Executive Order 12866 and 13563 \n Executive Orders (E.O.) 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, when regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety, and other advantages; distributive impacts; and equity). Executive Order 13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review) emphasizes the importance of quantifying"}]}