2018 PTAB “Boardside Chat” Webinar Series

The PTAB is pleased to announce its “Boardside Chat” lunchtime webinar series to be held bi-monthly throughout 2018.  The purpose of the Boardside Chats is to inform you on best practices before the Board as well as to address your questions regarding specific topics.
Please find below the currently scheduled Chats.   All Chats are free and open to all.  Also, all Chats will include time for attendee questions and comment.
Please join us for this learning opportunity and dialogue with the PTAB!

Scroll down to the end of page for link to "Previous PTAB Boardside Chats"

Intellectual property webinars for current SBIR/STTR grantees

For small businesses currently participating in the federal government’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, understanding intellectual property (IP)—including patents, trade secrets, trademarks, and copyrights—is necessary to protect your ideas, products, and product names in today’s knowledge economy. This series of seven 90-minute webinars, organized by the USPTO and the U.S. Small Business Administration, has been designed to specifically address the most common IP issues facing small businesses funded by the SBIR and STTR programs. They not only cover all aspects of IP protection, but will also help you understand your IP data rights under the SBIR/STTR grant or contract.

For details information and registration, please go to: https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/other-ip-organizations-and-agencies/your-intellectual-property

Notice of Trademark system maintenance

Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) and Trademark Electronic Application System International (TEASi) will be unavailable due to system maintenance.

When

Saturday, May 5, from 8 a.m. until 12:01 p.m. ET

What you should do

File all saved forms and e-signature forms by 7:59 a.m. ET on Saturday, May 5. If you don’t file these forms by that time, you will have to start the process again with the new forms. We apologize for any inconvenience.

To find out more about changes we’re making to TEAS and TEASi

Read the release highlights on our TEAS and TEASi Maintenance and Enhancement page.

Trademark Petitions

Patent and Trademark Office

Trademark Petitions

ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as 

required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on a 

proposed extension of an existing information collection: 0651-0061 

(Trademark Petitions).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before June 18, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:

     Email: InformationCollection@uspto.gov. Include ``0651-

0061 comment'' in the subject line of the message.

     Federal Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.

     Mail: Marcie Lovett, Records and Information Governance 

Division Director, Office of the Chief Technology Officer, United 

States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 

22313-1450.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information 

should be directed to Catherine Cain, Attorney Advisor, Office of the 

Commissioner for Trademarks, United States Patent and Trademark Office, 

P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450; by telephone at 571-272-8946; 

or by email to Catherine.Cain@uspto.gov with ``0651-0061 comment'' in 

the subject line. Additional information about this collection is also 

available at http://www.reginfo.gov under ``Information Collection 

Review.''

For the full announcement please go to:  

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-04-17/pdf/2018-08021.pdf 

Third-Party Submissions and Protests

Patent and Trademark Office

Third-Party Submissions and Protests 

ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as 

required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on a 

proposed extension of an existing information collection: 0651-0062 

(Third-Party Submissions and Protests).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before June 18, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:

     Email: InformationCollection@uspto.gov. Include ``0651-

0062 comment'' in the subject line of the message.

     Federal Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.

     Mail: Marcie Lovett, Records and Information Governance 

Division Director, Office of the Chief Technology Officer, United 

States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 

22313-1450.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information 

should be directed to Raul Tamayo, Senior Legal Advisor, Office of 

Patent Legal Administration, United States Patent and Trademark Office, 

P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450; by telephone at 571-272-7728; 

or by email to Raul.Tamayo@upsto.gov with ``0651-0062 comment'' in the 

subject line. Additional information about this collection is also 

available at http://www.reginfo.gov under ``Information Collection 

Review.''

For the full accouncement, please go to: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-04-17/pdf/2018-08022.pdf

Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Public Search Facility User ID and Badging”

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35).

Agency: United States Patent and Trademark Office, Commerce.

Title: Public Search Facility User ID and Badging.

OMB Control Number: 0651-0041.

Forms:

• PTO-2030
• PTO-2224

Number of Respondents: 6,250 responses per year.

Average Hours per Response: The USPTO estimates that it will take the public between approximately 5 minutes (0.08 hours) and 10 minutes (0.17 hours) to complete the information in this collection, depending on the application. This includes the time to gather the necessary information, prepare the appropriate form, and submit the completed request to the USPTO.

Burden Hours: 500 hours.

Cost Burden: $1,501.96.

Needs and Uses:

This collection covers information that individuals submit in applications to establish a USPTO online access account. This application allows users to obtain, renew, or replace online access account cards which provide access to the electronic search system at the Public Search Facility. The public may apply for an online access account only at the Public Search Facility reference desk by providing the completed application (including contact information) and proper identification. The access account cards include a bar-coded user number and an expiration date. Users may renew their account card in person by validating and updating the required information and may obtain a replacement for a lost account card by providing proper identification. Users who wish to register for the voluntary training courses may do so by completing the appropriate form.

This collection also covers information in applications to establish, renew, or replace security identification badges issued under the authority provided in 41 CFR part 102-81 to members of the public who wish to access the Public Search Facility. Users may apply for a security badge in person at the USPTO Security Office by providing the completed application (including applicant and contact information) and presenting a valid form of identification with photograph. The security badges include a color photograph of the user and must be worn always while at the USPTO facilities.

Frequency: On occasion.

Respondent's Obligation: Required to Obtain or Retain Benefits.

OMB Desk Officer: Nicholas A. Fraser, email: Nicholas_A._Fraser@omb.eop.gov. Once submitted, the request will be publicly available in electronic format through reginfor.gov. Follow the instructions to view Department of Commerce collections currently under review by OMB.

Further information can be obtained by:

• Email: InformationCollection@uspto.gov. Include “0651-0041 copy request” in the subject line of the message.
• Mail: Marcie Lovett, Records and Information Governance Division Director, Office of the Chief Information Technology Officer, United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.

Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent on or before May 17, 2018 to Nicholas A. Fraser. OMB Desk Officer, via email to Nicholas_A._Fraser@omb.eop.gov.or by fax to 202-395-5167, marked to the attention of Nicholas A. Fraser.

Marcie Lovett,

Records and Information Governance Division Director, Office of the Chief Technology Officer, United States Patent and Trademark Office.

[FR Doc. 2018-08019 Filed 4-16-18; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3510-16-P

To see the official electronic format:

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-04-17/pdf/2018-08019.pdf

Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; “Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Certificate Action Form”

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposals for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35).

Agency: United States Patent and Trademark Office, Commerce.

Title: Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Certificate Action Form.

OMB Control Number: 0651-0045.

Form Number(s):

• PTO-2042

Type of Request: Regular.Start Printed Page 16834

Number of Respondents: 3,825 responses per year.

Average Hours per Response: The USPTO estimates that it will take the public approximately 30 minutes (0.50 hours) to read the instructions and subscriber agreement, gather the necessary information, prepare the Certificate Action Form, and submit the completed request.

Needs and Uses:

This information collection covers the Certificate Action Form (PTO-2042), which is used by the public to request a new digital certificate, revoke a current certificate, or recover a lost or corrupted certificate. Customers may also change the name listed on the certificate or associate the certificate with one or more Customer Numbers. A Customer Number allows an applicant to associate all correspondence and USPTO actions regarding multiple patent applications to a single address and name. The Certificate Action Form must include a notarized signature in order to verify the identity of the application. The Certificate Action Form has an accompanying subscriber agreement to ensure that customers understand their obligations regarding the use of the digital certificates and cryptographic software. When generating a new certificate, customers also register to receive a set of seven codes that will enable customers to recover a lost certificate online without having to contact USPTO support staff.

Frequency: On occasion.

Respondent's Obligation: Required to Obtain or Retain Benefits.

OMB Desk Officer: Nicholas A. Fraser, email: Nicholas_A._Fraser@omb.eop.gov. Once submitted, this request will be publicly available in electronic format through www.reginfo.gov. Follow the instructions to view Department of Commerce collections currently under review by OMB.

Further information can be obtained by:

• Email: InformationCollection@uspto.gov. Include “0651-0045 copy request” in the subject line of the message.
• Mail: Marcie Lovett, Records and Information Governance Division Director, Office of the Chief Technology Officer, United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.

Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent on or before May 17, 2018 to Nicholas A. Fraser, OMB Desk Officer, via email to Nicholas_A._Fraser@omb.eop.gov or by fax to 202-395-5197, marked to the attention of Nicholas A. Fraser.

Marcie Lovett,

Records and Information Governance Division Director, Office of the Chief Technology Officer, United States Patent and Trademark Office.

[FR Doc. 2018-08020 Filed 4-16-18; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3510-16-P

To see the official electronic format:
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-04-17/pdf/2018-08020.pdf

Inventor Info Chat

Join the USPTO on April 19 from 11 a.m. - noon ET for its Inventor Info Chat webinar “Understanding the ADS (Application Data Sheet): Little Things Make a Big Difference."

Learn how to effectively file your patent application. We will cover how to properly use and correct an ADS.

More information, including how to attend, is available on our Inventor Info Chat event page.

"Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story" Film Screening and Panel Discussion

Please join us in celebrating World Intellectual Property (IP) Day on Monday, April 23^rd.  This year’s theme is Powering Change: Women in Innovation and Creativity which celebrates the brilliance, ingenuity, curiosity and courage of the women who are driving change in our world and shaping our common future.​  Dallas’ celebration of World IP Day will feature opening remarks by Hope Shimabuku, USPTO Texas Regional Office Director, followed by a panel discussion including female inventors.  A complimentary film screening of Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story will follow at the conclusion of the panel discussion.

 

Monday, April 23rd at 6:00 PM 

Alamo Drafthouse Cedars 

1005 South Lamar, Dallas, TX 

This event is FREE and open to anyone interested in attending.  Please REGISTER at dallasworldipday.eventbrite.com.

USPTO Webinar: Understanding Utility Model Patents in China

The utility model patent (UMP) is a category of patent granted in China. It is meant to protect incremental inventions, demands a comparatively lower level of inventive step than those of invention patents, and generally takes less time from filing to grant. Compared to many foreign companies, however, U.S. companies do not often file UMPs in China.
For this two-hour webinar, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Office of Policy and International Affairs has brought together a group of five experienced private practitioners and in-house counsel to offer their expertise and practical insights on UMPs and how U.S. companies can best utilize them when doing business in China.

To VIEW THE AGENDA, please follow here.

To REGISTER, please visit the event page here.

April Inventor Info Chat

Join the next USPTO Inventor Info Chat webinar, “Understanding the Application Data Sheet (ADS): Little Things Make a Big Difference” on April 19, 11 a.m. to noon ET.

The chat will present tips for effectively filing your patent application as we focus on how to properly use and correct an ADS.

The Office of Innovation Development (OID) presents the Inventor Info Chat webinar series. OID fosters invention and entrepreneurship by providing full access to the U.S. intellectual property system.

More information, including how to attend, is available on our InventorInfo Chat event page.

April 25, 2018 -- 12th Annual USPTO Design Day at the Texas Regional Office

Join the Texas Regional Office (TXRO) of the USPTO to spend the day with USPTO Design Examiners, Managers, Design Patent Practitioners and Industrial Designers from across the country on April 25, 2018.

There is no fee to attend; however, we ask that you register by April 6, 2018 at 6pm.

Topics included:

• Update from the Director of Technology Center 2900
• USPTO Developments including updates on Hague, ID5, and Design Law Treaty initiatives
• Report from Japan Patent Office on its Study of Industrial Design Competitiveness and Design
• Return of the popular Patent Prosecution Best Practices Panel where experienced practitioners and USPTO examiners discuss recent examination and prosecution trends
• Presentations from major corporations on strategic protection and enforcement of designs, including Microsoft Corporation, Sugarfina, Inc., and more!
• Panel discussion about the challenges of enforcement of design rights on the Internet
• Case law summaries on important design patent decisions over the past year, from the Federal Circuit, district court, and PTAB

No CLE credit is offered for this event.
 
8:00 am -- 4:00 pm CT: Meeting Webcast begins
11:00 am -- 12:15 pm CT: Lunch (BYOB or offsite; meals will not be provided by the TXRO) The Texas Regional Office will not be serving continental breakfast. 

Tours of the regional office will be provided.

To register for this event, please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/12th-annual-uspto-design-day-at-the-texas-regional-office-tickets-44842943451

Patent Quality Chat

Our Patent Quality Chat webinar continues its 2018 series on April 10, from noon to 1 p.m. ET, with “Strengthening your IP internationally using the expanded Collaborative Search Pilot.”

Officials from USPTO’s International Work Sharing Planning and Implementation Division of the Office of International Patent Cooperation will be discussing our expanded Collaborative Search Pilot (CSP). CSP provides those cross-filing their patent applications internationally with search results from multiple offices early in the examination process. During this chat, you will learn how to leverage CSP to strengthen your intellectual property internationally. 

This webinar is of interest to all those filing patent applications internationally, particularly with the Japan and Korea offices.

No registration is necessary to attend; the link to join is available on our event page.

The Patent Quality Chat webinar series is presented as a part of the USPTO’s continuous effort to improve patent quality.