{"description":"Documents matching 'representation registered patent practitioner also'","count":343,"total_pages":18,"next_page_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/documents?conditions%5Bterm%5D=representation+registered+patent+practitioner+also&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":"applicants/inventors and patent owners to use registered patent practitioners will also facilitate fraud mitigation and protect the integrity of the U.S. patent system. As discussed, registered patent practitioners have a duty to cooperate with investigations and respond to lawful requests for information. \n See \n 37 CFR 11.801(b). Further, it is professional misconduct for a registered patent \n \n practitioner to engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation. \n See \n 37 CFR 11.804(c). It is also professional misconduct"},{"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":"and patent owners to use registered patent practitioners will also facilitate fraud mitigation and protect the integrity of the U.S. patent system. As discussed, registered patent practitioners have a duty to cooperate with investigations and respond to lawful requests for information. \n See \n 37 CFR 11.801(b). Further, it is professional misconduct for a registered patent practitioner to engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation. \n See \n 37 CFR 11.804(c). It is also professional misconduct for a registered patent"},{"title":"Standards Participation and Representation Kudos (SPARK) Pilot Program","type":"Notice","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is launching the Standards Participation and Representation Kudos (SPARK) Pilot Program to incentivize meaningful participation in standards development organizations (SDOs) by U.S. small and medium-sized businesses, universities, and non-profit organizations. Under the pilot program, examination of certain patent applications and ex parte appeals to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) may be expedited if the U.S.-domiciled juristic applicant meaningfully participated in a voluntary consensus-based SDO and meets the requirements specified in this notice. The application or appeal being expedited does not need to be related to the SDO participation. The expedited examination or appeal provides additional tangible value for the time and resources invested in standards development. Applications accepted into the pilot program for expedited examination will be advanced out of turn, that is, accorded special status, for examination until a first Office action is issued, and ex parte appeals accepted into the pilot program will be advanced out of turn before the PTAB. This notice sets forth the requirements of the pilot program and describes how the pilot program will be administered.","document_number":"2026-11098","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/03/2026-11098/standards-participation-and-representation-kudos-spark-pilot-program","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-03/pdf/2026-11098.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-11098.pdf?1780404317","publication_date":"2026-06-03","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":"questions or comments regarding this pilot program, please contact Susy Tsang-Foster, Senior Legal Advisor, Office of Patent Legal Administration, Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Patents, at 571-272-7711; or Brannon Smith, Senior Legal Advisor, Office of Patent Legal Administration, Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Patents, at 571-270-1601; or \n SPARKprogram@uspto.gov. \n For questions on electronic filing, please contact the Patent Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (during its operating hours of 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday)"},{"title":"Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Patent and PTAB Pro Bono Programs","type":"Notice","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (hereafter \"USPTO\" or \"Agency\") will submit the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, on or after the date of publication of this notice. The USPTO invites comments on the information collection renewal of 0651-0082, which helps the USPTO assess the impact of its information collection requirements and minimize the reporting burden to the public. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on October 22, 2025, during a 60-day comment period (90 FR 47732). This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments.","document_number":"2026-03203","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/18/2026-03203/agency-information-collection-activities-submission-to-the-office-of-management-and-budget-for","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-02-18/pdf/2026-03203.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-03203.pdf?1771335926","publication_date":"2026-02-18","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":"well-established group of patent practitioners and thought leaders in intellectual property who provide support and guidance to the regional hubs across the country. The collected data provides the USPTO with valuable information, including the number of inventor inquiries, referral sources, number of \n pro bono \n applicants successfully matched with patent practitioners, and types of patent filings. The USPTO, PBAC, and the regional hubs, are responsible for the quarterly collection of this data.\n \n \n The USPTO's Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)"},{"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":"state that a registered practitioner under § 11.6(a) who is an attorney may use the designation “Patents,” “Patent Attorney,” “Patent Lawyer,” “Registered Patent Attorney,” or a substantially similar designation; a registered practitioner under § 11.6(b) who is not an attorney may use the designation “Patents,” “Patent Agent,” “Registered Patent Agent,” or a substantially similar designation; a registered practitioner under § 11.6(d) who is an attorney may use the designation “Design Patent Attorney”; and a registered practitioner under § 11.6(d)"},{"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":"have permitted a non-registered attorney admitted \n pro hac vice \n to serve as lead counsel.\n \n \n In § 42.10(c)(2) and (3), the term “PTAB-recognized practitioner” has been replaced with “provisionally recognized PTAB attorney.” This change was made in response to commenter concerns that the public might confuse “PTAB-recognized practitioners” with registered practitioners. Also, the term “non-registered practitioner” has been replaced with “counsel who is not a registered practitioner,” the term “non-registered practitioners recognized \n pro hac"},{"title":"Changes to the Representation of Others Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office","type":"Rule","abstract":"The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) amends the rules of practice in patent cases and the rules regarding the representation of others before the USPTO to better protect the public and improve compliance with USPTO requirements. This final rule formalizes the USPTO's Diversion Pilot Program for patent and trademark practitioners whose physical or mental health issues or law practice management issues resulted in minor misconduct. Formalizing the Pilot Program aligns USPTO disciplinary practice with a majority of states and provides practitioners an opportunity to address the root causes of such misconduct. In addition, this final rule requires foreign attorneys or agents granted reciprocal recognition to practice before the USPTO in trademark matters to provide and update their contact and licensure status information or have their recognition withdrawn so the public will have access to up-to-date information. This final rule also defers to a state's attorney licensing authority regarding alternative business structures between a practitioner and a non-practitioner to reduce the potential for conflicts between the USPTO and the attorney licensing authority. Further, this final rule removes a fee required when changing one's status from a patent agent to a patent attorney and makes minor adjustments to other provisions related to the representation of others before the USPTO.","document_number":"2023-14606","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/07/14/2023-14606/changes-to-the-representation-of-others-before-the-united-states-patent-and-trademark-office","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-07-14/pdf/2023-14606.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-14606.pdf?1689252315","publication_date":"2023-07-14","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":"When Changing Status From Patent Agent to Patent Attorney \n In this final rule, the USPTO eliminates the $110.00 fee in § 1.21(a)(2)(iii) that is charged when a registered patent agent changes their registration from an agent to an attorney. It is expected that the removal of this fee will improve the accuracy of the register of patent attorneys and agents by incentivizing patent agents who become patent attorneys to promptly update their status in that register. \n Arrangements Between Practitioners and Non-Practitioners \n This final rule adds § 11"},{"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":"that the term “registered 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"},{"title":"Guidance on Use of Artificial Intelligence-Based Tools in Practice Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office","type":"Notice","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issues this guidance to inform practitioners and the public of the important issues that patent and trademark professionals, innovators, and entrepreneurs must navigate while using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in matters before the USPTO. The USPTO recognizes the possibility that AI will be used to prepare and prosecute patent and trademark applications, as well as other filings before the Office including filings submitted to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) and Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB). While the USPTO is committed to maximizing AI's benefits and seeing them distributed broadly across society, the USPTO recognizes the need, through technical mitigations and human governance, to cabin the risks arising from the use of AI in practice before the USPTO. At this time, based on the USPTO's engagement with stakeholders through the USPTO's AI and Emerging Technologies (ET) Partnership (AI/ET Partnership) and a review of existing rules, the USPTO has determined that existing rules protect the USPTO's ecosystem against such potential perils. This guidance reminds individuals involved in proceedings before the USPTO of the pertinent rules and policies, helps inform those same individuals of the risks associated with the use of AI systems, and provides suggestions to mitigate those risks. The USPTO will continue to engage with the public, including through the AI/ET Partnership, as the use of AI advances and evolves.","document_number":"2024-07629","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/11/2024-07629/guidance-on-use-of-artificial-intelligence-based-tools-in-practice-before-the-united-states-patent","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-04-11/pdf/2024-07629.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-07629.pdf?1712753115","publication_date":"2024-04-11","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":"and not the applicant.”). (emphasis added)\n \n \n \n Practitioners are also under a duty to refrain from filing or prosecuting patent claims that are known to be unpatentable. Therefore, in situations where an AI tool is used to draft patent claims, the practitioner is under a duty to modify those claims as needed to present them in patentable form before submitting them to the USPTO. In situations where the specification and/or drawings of the patent application are drafted using AI tools, practitioners need to take extra care to verify the technical"},{"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":"not an attorney may use the designation “Patents,” “Patent Agent,” “Registered Patent Agent,” or a substantially similar designation; a registered practitioner under § 11.6(d) who is an attorney may use the designation “Design Patent Attorney”; and a registered practitioner under § 11.6(d) who is not an attorney (\n i.e., \n who is an agent) may use the designation “Design Patent Agent.”\n \n The USPTO proposes to amend § 41.106 by replacing the term “registered patent practitioner” with “registered practitioner.” This amendment is intended solely to"},{"title":"Eliminating Continuing Legal Education Certification and Recognition for Patent Practitioners","type":"Rule","abstract":"The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) amends the rules of practice in patent cases and the rules regarding the representation of others before the USPTO to eliminate provisions regarding voluntary continuing legal education (CLE) certification for registered patent practitioners and individuals granted limited recognition to practice in patent matters before the USPTO. After rules were published on August 3, 2020, providing that registered patent practitioners and persons granted limited recognition to practice in patent matters before the USPTO would be permitted to voluntarily certify completion of CLE to the Director of the Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED Director) and that the OED Director could publish whether such persons had voluntarily certified, the USPTO indefinitely delayed implementation of the voluntary CLE certification. After receiving and considering stakeholder feedback on the certification process and possible details regarding implementation, the USPTO has determined that it will not implement the voluntary CLE certification program at this time.","document_number":"2022-24676","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/11/14/2022-24676/eliminating-continuing-legal-education-certification-and-recognition-for-patent-practitioners","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-11-14/pdf/2022-24676.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2022-24676.pdf?1668087926","publication_date":"2022-11-14","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 U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) amends the rules of practice in patent cases and the rules regarding the representation of others before the USPTO to eliminate provisions regarding voluntary continuing legal education (CLE) certification for registered patent practitioners and individuals granted limited recognition to practice in patent matters before the USPTO. After rules were published on August 3, 2020, providing that registered patent practitioners and persons granted limited recognition to practice in patent matters"},{"title":"Study of the Patent Pro Bono Programs; Notice of Public Listening Sessions and Request for Comments","type":"Notice","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) seeks public comments on areas related to the study of the patent pro bono programs identified in the Unleashing American Innovators Act of 2022. This study builds upon the work the USPTO has conducted for over a decade and has scaled during the Biden Administration, to bring more people in America into the innovation ecosystem to create more jobs, foster economic prosperity, and solve world problems. The USPTO is announcing two public listening sessions on June 5 and 7, 2023, titled \"Inventor Listening Session for Patent Pro Bono Programs\" and \"Patent Practitioner Listening Session for Patent Pro Bono Program,\" respectively, to provide further opportunity for the public to provide input on these subject areas.","document_number":"2023-07699","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/04/12/2023-07699/study-of-the-patent-pro-bono-programs-notice-of-public-listening-sessions-and-request-for-comments","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-04-12/pdf/2023-07699.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-07699.pdf?1681217132","publication_date":"2023-04-12","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":"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":"attendance. Advance registration is required. Persons seeking to attend either session must register by June 2, 2023. Registration information for the June 5, 2023 inventor listening session is available at: \n https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/events/inventor-listening-session-patent-pro-bono-programs. \n Registration for the June 7, 2023 patent practitioner listening session is available at: \n https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/events/patent-practitioner-listening-session-patent-pro-bono-programs. \n Seating is limited for in-person attendance.\n \n \n Written comments:"},{"title":"Changes to the Representation of Others 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 better protect the public and improve compliance with USPTO requirements. In particular, this rulemaking proposes to formalize the USPTO's Diversion Pilot Program for patent and trademark practitioners whose physical or mental health issues or law practice management issues resulted in minor misconduct. Formalizing the Pilot would align USPTO disciplinary practice with a majority of states and provide practitioners an opportunity to address the root causes of such misconduct. In addition, the USPTO proposes to require foreign attorneys or agents granted reciprocal recognition in trademark matters to provide and update their contact and status information or have their recognition withdrawn so the public will have access to up-to-date information. Also, the USPTO proposes to defer to state bars regarding fee sharing between practitioners and non-practitioners to reduce the potential for conflicts between USPTO and state bar rules. Further, the USPTO proposes to remove a fee required when changing one's status from a patent agent to a patent attorney and to make minor adjustments to other rules related to the representation of others before the USPTO.","document_number":"2022-18215","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/09/08/2022-18215/changes-to-the-representation-of-others-before-the-united-states-patent-and-trademark-office","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-09-08/pdf/2022-18215.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2022-18215.pdf?1662554714","publication_date":"2022-09-08","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":"Required When Changing Status From Patent Agent to Patent Attorney \n The USPTO proposes to eliminate the $110.00 fee in § 1.21(a)(2)(iii) that is charged when a registered patent agent changes their registration from an agent to an attorney. It is expected that the removal of this fee will improve the accuracy of the register of patent attorneys and agents by incentivizing patent agents who become patent attorneys to promptly update their status in that register. \n Arrangements Between Practitioners and Non-Practitioners \n The USPTO proposes to add § 11"},{"title":"Expanding Admission Criteria for Registration To Practice in Patent Cases Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office","type":"Notice","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) previously published a notice requesting comments on the scientific and technical requirements to practice in patent matters before the USPTO. Specifically, the Office sought input on whether it should revise the scientific and technical criteria for admission to practice in patent matters to require the USPTO to periodically review certain applicant degrees on a predetermined timeframe, make certain modifications to the accreditation requirement for computer science degrees, and add clarifying instructions to the General Requirements Bulletin for Admission to the Examination for Registration to Practice in Patent Cases before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (GRB) for limited recognition applicants. The USPTO has considered the comments and, based on the support for the proposals, is implementing updates to the GRB. 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":"2023-10409","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/05/16/2023-10409/expanding-admission-criteria-for-registration-to-practice-in-patent-cases-before-the-united-states","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-05-16/pdf/2023-10409.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-10409.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":"USPTO requires a practitioner to, \n inter alia, \n demonstrate possession of scientific and technical qualifications.\n 1 \n \n The role of patent practitioners with scientific and technical backgrounds in providing full and clear patent specifications and claims has long been acknowledged. The USPTO publishes the GRB, which sets forth guidance for establishing possession of scientific and technical qualifications. The GRB also provides applicants instructions on how to apply to become a patent practitioner. The GRB is available at \n www.uspto.gov/sit"},{"title":"Request for Nominations for Members To Serve on National Institute of Standards and Technology and National Technical Information Service Federal Advisory Committees","type":"Notice","abstract":"The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST or Institute) and the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) invites and requests nomination of individuals for appointment to ten existing Federal Advisory Committees (Committees): Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction; Board of Overseers of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award; Industrial Advisory Committee; Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board; Judges Panel of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award; Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory Board; National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee; National Construction Safety Team Advisory Committee; National Technical Information Service Advisory Board; and Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology. NIST and NTIS will consider nominations received in response to this notice for appointment to the Committees, in addition to nominations already received. Registered Federal lobbyists may not serve on NIST or NTIS Federal Advisory Committees in an individual capacity.","document_number":"2025-06716","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/18/2025-06716/request-for-nominations-for-members-to-serve-on-national-institute-of-standards-and-technology-and","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-04-18/pdf/2025-06716.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-06716.pdf?1744893921","publication_date":"2025-04-18","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":"National Institute of Standards and Technology","name":"National Institute of Standards and Technology","id":352,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/national-institute-of-standards-and-technology","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/352","parent_id":54,"slug":"national-institute-of-standards-and-technology"}],"excerpts":"nominations already received. Registered Federal lobbyists may not serve on NIST or NTIS Federal Advisory Committees in an individual capacity. \n \n \n DATES: \n Nominations for all Committees will be accepted on an ongoing basis and will be considered as and when vacancies arise. \n \n \n ADDRESSES: \n See below. \n \n \n \n SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: \n Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction (ACEHR) \n \n Address: \n Please submit nominations to Tina Faecke via email at \n tina.faecke@nist.gov. \n Nominations may also be mailed to Tina Faecke, Designated"},{"title":"Expanding Opportunities To Appear Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board","type":"Notice","abstract":"In this request for comments, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) seeks public input on the requirements to practice before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB or Board). The Office seeks to ensure quality representation in PTAB proceedings under the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) without creating undue restrictions or barriers to entry for practitioners wishing to appear before the PTAB. The Office's goal is to expand the admission criteria to practice before the PTAB so more Americans, including those from traditionally under-represented and under-resourced communities, can participate in Office practice, while maintaining the Office's high standards necessary for the issuance and maintenance of robust and reliable intellectual property rights.","document_number":"2022-22572","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/10/18/2022-22572/expanding-opportunities-to-appear-before-the-patent-trial-and-appeal-board","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-10-18/pdf/2022-22572.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2022-22572.pdf?1666010729","publication_date":"2022-10-18","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":"Regarding Non-Registered Practitioners \n Requests 1 and 2 above are directed to potential modifications to PTAB rules and procedures related to non-registered practitioners. Such non-registered practitioners may have less familiarity than registered practitioners with certain matters that may arise during AIA proceedings. For example, a non-registered practitioner may have less familiarity with issues that may arise in a motion to amend, and may not be aware of specific reissue and reexamination options that might be available to a patent owner. Accordingly"},{"title":"Changes to Duration of Attorney Recognition; Notice of Public Listening Session and Request for Comments","type":"Notice","abstract":"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) seeks public comments on changes to the trademark rule regarding the duration of attorney recognition. In addition, the USPTO is announcing a public listening session on September 26, 2023, titled \"Changes to Duration of Attorney Recognition,\" to offer further opportunity for the public to provide input on this topic.","document_number":"2023-17144","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/08/10/2023-17144/changes-to-duration-of-attorney-recognition-notice-of-public-listening-session-and-request-for","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-08-10/pdf/2023-17144.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-17144.pdf?1691585137","publication_date":"2023-08-10","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":"correspondence rule, is problematic for practitioners whose recognition before the Office ends even though their representation of the applicant or registrant continues based on engagement agreements. These practitioners are concerned about missing response deadlines when representation continues, if they are removed from the record when recognition ends and will no longer receive correspondence from the USPTO regarding their clients' matters following abandonment or registration. Many of these practitioners have instructed their clients to disregard"},{"title":"Expanding Admission Criteria for Registration To Practice in Patent Cases Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office","type":"Notice","abstract":"This request for comments seeks public input on the scientific and technical requirements to practice in patent matters before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office). Specifically, the Office seeks input on whether it should revise the scientific and technical criteria for admission to practice in patent matters to require the USPTO to periodically review certain applicant degrees on a predetermined timeframe, and make certain modifications to the accreditation requirement for computer science degrees. This request for comments also seeks input on whether the creation of a separate design patent practitioner bar would be beneficial to the public and the Office, whether to add clarifying instructions to the General Requirements Bulletin for Admission to the Examination for Registration to Practice in Patent Cases before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (GRB) for limited recognition applicants, and whether the Office should make any additional updates to the scientific and technical requirements for admission to practice in patent matters. The USPTO is undertaking this effort as part of its continual review of the admission criteria for sitting for the registration examination.","document_number":"2022-22569","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/10/18/2022-22569/expanding-admission-criteria-for-registration-to-practice-in-patent-cases-before-the-united-states","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-10-18/pdf/2022-22569.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2022-22569.pdf?1666010729","publication_date":"2022-10-18","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":"established. 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. It would also not impact the ability of applicants who meet the current criteria, including qualifying for and passing the current registration exam, to practice in any patent matters before the Office. \n Options for implementing a design patent practitioner bar include requiring design patent practitioner bar applicants to: \n (1) take the current"},{"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":"offeror's representation that it is an IEE in a specific bid or proposal and verify that the Indian Tribe(s) that the offeror identified in the representation is either on the List of Federally Recognized Tribes or is an Alaska Native Corporation. A contracting officer will also investigate the representation if an interested party challenges the IEE representation or if the contracting officer has any other reason to question the representation. The contracting officer may ask the offeror for more information to substantiate the representation. Challenges"},{"title":"Medicare Program: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; and Quality Reporting Programs; Including the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting Program and Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Program; Request for Information on Strengthening the Standardization and Comparability of Hospital Price Transparency (HPT) Data; Prior Authorization; Accrediting Organization (AO) Deeming for Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA); and Notices of Closure of Teaching Hospitals and Opportunities To Apply for Available Slots","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This proposed rule would revise the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and the Medicare Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) payment system for calendar year 2027 based on our continuing experience with these systems. We also describe the changes to the amounts and factors used to determine the payment rates for Medicare services paid under the OPPS and those paid under the ASC payment systems. In addition, this proposed rule would update and refine the requirements for the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting Program and the Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting Program. There are no changes to the Rural Emergency Hospital Quality Reporting Program. We propose to expand the prior authorization requirement to include additional Botulinum Toxin Injection services. We also propose to implement certain provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, for off-campus outpatient departments of a provider. In addition, this proposed rule announces notices of closure of teaching hospitals and opportunities to apply for available slots. This rule also requests information regarding potential approaches to improve comparability and standardization, particularly for complex contracting methodologies, of the HPT information reported in machine- readable files and consumer-friendly displays. We propose hospital AOs with deeming authority to assess compliance with certain Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) administrative requirements during accreditation and reaccreditation surveys. Finally, we are soliciting comments on a potential separate payment under the Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) for domestic procurement of personal protective equipment and essential medicines.","document_number":"2026-13656","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/07/2026-13656/medicare-program-hospital-outpatient-prospective-payment-and-ambulatory-surgical-center-payment","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-07-07/pdf/2026-13656.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-13656.pdf?1782996328","publication_date":"2026-07-07","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":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"comparator studies included in the meta-analysis (primary patency I\n 2 \n =99.44; cumulative patency I\n 2 \n =99.36), many of which showed similar or higher primary patency (60.21 percent; 95 percent confidence interval (CI): 50.84, 69.59) and cumulative patency (92.08 percent; 95 percent CI: 86.98, 97.18) compared to results from Burgess et al. (2024). We note that 19 of the 31 studies that provided data on cumulative patency in Astor et al. (n.d.) did not specifically report 6-month patency outcomes in tables or text the studies only provided data"}]}