Federal Register - Patent Practitioner Fee

[Federal Register: November 17, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 222)]
[Rules and Regulations][Page 67750-67759]

To see the complete text of this Final Rule see:
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2008_register&docid=fr17no08-12

Changes to Representation of Others Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office
AGENCY: United States Patent and Trademark Office, Commerce.

ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office) is
adopting new rules governing the conduct of individuals registered to
practice before the Office. The Office is adopting a new rule that provides for an annual practitioner maintenance fee for those recognized to practice before the Office in patent cases. These changes will enable the Office to maintain a roster of registered practitioners and, consequently, better protect the public from unqualified practitioners. The Office is also making conforming amendments to 37 CFR 1.21.

DATES: Effective Date: December 17, 2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Harry I. Moatz , Director of Enrollment and Discipline (OED Director), directly by phone at (571) 272-6069; by facsimile to (571) 273-6069 marked to the attention of Mr. Moatz; or by mail addressed to: Mail Stop OED-Ethics Rules, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450.