Patent Office Updates You Need to Know (May 24, 2021)

As part of our dedication to helping our clients stay up-to-date on the ever-changing landscape as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve compiled the following highlights of changes to patent, trademark, and copyright operations around the world. 

The following are a few recent updates identified in the past month.  However, as always, a complete list of countries may be found in our Google Document.

Update Highlights

• On May 19, 2021, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) introduced additional programs for COVID-related applications. TTAB has announced a Pilot Prioritized Review Program for Appeals Related to COVID-19, which will prioritize examination and issuance of ex parte appeal decisions examined under the USPTO’s COVID-19 Prioritized Trademark Examination Program.  The TTAB is also launching a Conference Pilot Program for Oppositions Against Applications Related to COVID-19, which allows a TTAB attorney or judge to participate in the parties’ mandatory settlement and discovery planning conference.  More information on both programs is available here.
• On May 20, 2021, the European Patent Office (EPO) announced that it is extending its videoconference pilot program for oral proceedings before the oppositions divisions.  All oral proceedings will be held remotely through January 31, 2022. More info here.
• Other general closures & deadline extensions have been added to the document.

If you have any patent or trademark questions during this time, do not hesitate to contact us.