Trademark Basics Boot Camp in February and March

This free USPTO event series provides a comprehensive overview of the process for federal trademark registration and maintaining a federal trademark. If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur seeking to protect your brand and product identities, Trademark Basics Boot Camp is for you.

Trademark Basics Boot Camp is offered regularly throughout the year. During each series run, we cover one module weekly for eight weeks, with each module focusing on different aspects of trademarks and the registration process, from filing and examination to post-registration requirements for keeping your registration alive. Each module concludes with a question-and-answer period where you can ask our USPTO trademark experts questions.

You can attend the entire series or just the modules that best match your interests, but you must sign up for each module to attend. To learn more and sign up, select an individual module from the listing below.

Feb 2, 2021 - Virtual

Trademark Basics Boot Camp, Module 1: Fundamentals

This event is a must for any small business or new entrepreneur learning to navigate trademarks for the first time. In this module, we’ll cover definitions and types of trademarks, benefits of federal registration, selecting a trademark, filing and registration, and how to find help.  Full details

Feb 9, 2021 - Virtual

Trademark Basics Boot Camp, Module 2: Searching

This event is a must for any small business or new entrepreneur learning to navigate trademarks for the first time. In this module, we’ll cover important principles related to trademark searching and the effective use of TESS.  Full details

Feb 16, 2021 - Virtual

Trademark Basics Boot Camp, Module 3: Application requirements

This event is a must for any small business or new entrepreneur learning to navigate trademarks for the first time. In this module, focus on the requirements for an initial trademark application.  Full details

Feb 23, 2021 - Virtual

Trademark Basics Boot Camp, Module 4: Application filing walk-through

This event is a must for any small business or new entrepreneur learning to navigate trademarks for the first time. In this module, we focus on the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS), the required system for making any trademark submission to the USPTO.  Full details

Mar 2, 2021 - Virtual

Trademark Basics Boot Camp, Module 5: Responding to an office action

This event is a must for any small business or new entrepreneur learning to navigate trademarks for the first time. In this module, we'll focus on responding to office actions.   Full details

This Thursday: PTAB webinar about recent developments for AIA trials

Join the next Boardside Chat webinar on Thursday, January 28, from noon to 1 p.m. ET, for a discussion about recent developments for American Invents Act (AIA) trials. 

Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) judges will cover:

1. Final rules related to institution of trials, including elimination of the presumption at institution that a genuine issue of material fact is viewed in the light most favorable to the petitioner;
2. Final rules concerning the burdens of persuasion in motions to amend;
3. New precedential decisions related to the application of the Fintiv factors and the need to conduct a real-party-in-interest analysis at institution; and
4. The indefiniteness standard to be applied by the Board in AIA trials. 

Deputy Chief Judge Jackie Bonilla, Vice Chief Judge Mike Tierney, and Lead Judge Kal Deshpande will present.

The webinar is free and open to all. There will be a Q&A session at the end. Please send questions in advance or during the webinar to PTABBoardsideChat@uspto.gov.

More information, including the webinar access information, is available on the PTAB Boardside Chat page of the USPTO website.

USPTO hosts first NCEAI Innovation Chat

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) hosted its first National Council for Expanding American Innovation (NCEAI) Innovation Chat on Tuesday, January 12, 2021. The virtual event featured a discussion on the importance of a more diverse innovation ecosystem between Andrei Iancu, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, and Lisa Jorgenson, the new Deputy Director General for Patents and Technology Sector, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Watch the discussion.

The National Council for Expanding American Innovation (NCEAI), comprised of representatives from industry, academia, and government, was established to help guide the USPTO in developing a comprehensive national strategy to build a more diverse and inclusive innovation ecosystem by encouraging participation demographically, geographically, and economically. For additional information on the NCEAI, please visit the NCEAI page on the USPTO website.

Copyright basics and considerations for entrepreneurs and small businesses

If you are an entrepreneur, understanding copyrights will help your business succeed.  Register today for this free two-hour webinar, designed for U.S. entrepreneurs and small businesses to learn the basics of copyright and gain insights into copyright protection and enforcement.

 In this webinar, you will hear from experts at the USPTO's Office of Policy and International Affairs (OPIA). Additionally, a featured speaker from the U.S. Copyright Office will explain the process of copyright registration.

This program is organized by the Global Intellectual Property Academy (GIPA), a unit of the OPIA. Their copyright team advises the administration and other federal government departments and agencies on domestic and international copyright, legal, and policy issues. It also provides technical assistance and training on copyright-related matters to both U.S. and foreign government officials. 

Date: Feb. 18, 2021 

Time: 1:00 pm ET - 3:00 pm ET

To Register: https://cvent.me/bVrGkk  

Additional information:

For more information, visit the registration page or contact Lakeshia Harley

 

Get to know Frances Ligler, this week’s #FeaturedInductee

Today’s #FeaturedInductee is Frances Ligler, the inventor of a portable optical biosensor used in many different settings across the globe. Ligler was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2017.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to see the latest #FeaturedInductee and to learn more about Frances Ligler.

USPTO accepting additional comment on state sovereign immunity

On November 5, 2020, the USPTO published a Federal Register notice (85 FR 70589) requesting public input regarding the extent to which patent or trademark right holders are experiencing infringement by state entities without adequate remedies under state law. The time for submitting that input closed on December 21, 2020. The USPTO has reopened the comment period through a Federal Register notice published on January 22, 2021 (86 FR 6636) and will accept additional comment until February 22, 2021.

USPTO creates a resource page for the Trademark Modernization Act

The USPTO has created an informational webpage on the Trademark Modernization Act of 2020 (TMA), identifying key provisions, and an email box to ask questions and provide feedback. The webpage will be updated as additional information becomes available. 

The TMA provides new procedures to challenge trademark applications and registrations with inaccurate claims of use in commerce. It also provides authority for the USPTO to shorten response deadlines to move applications through the system more quickly. For more information, please see the USPTO TMA webpage.

USPTO Director Iancu reflects on his tenure in a farewell blog to stakeholders:

"Through it all, the most amazing people I met these past few years are the inventors of the future—starting with kindergarteners making their first creations and excitingly explaining them to me… Their unbridled enthusiasm assures me that America’s best days are yet to come." 

 

http://bit.ly/2XX1AHf 

Performing the functions and duties of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO

Drew Hirshfeld is performing the functions and duties of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Mr. Hirshfeld's permanent role is Commissioner for Patents, where he manages and leads the Patents organization as its chief operating officer. He is responsible for managing and directing all aspects of the organization that affect administration of patent operations, examination policy, patent quality management, international patent cooperation, resources and planning, and budget administration.

During his time as Commissioner, Mr. Hirshfeld has led the Patents business unit by emphasizing both transparency and collaboration. He has managed efforts to ensure the consistency and reliability of patent grants. Mr. Hirshfeld has further played a lead role to ensure that the examining corps is provided with updated examination guidance and training.  

Prior to serving as Commissioner for Patents, Mr. Hirshfeld held the positions of Deputy Commissioner for Patent Examination Policy and Chief of Staff to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO. Mr. Hirshfeld began his career in 1994 as a Patent Examiner and became a Supervisory Patent Examiner in 2001. He was promoted to the Senior Executive Service in 2008 as a Group Director in Technology Center 2100.

Mr. Hirshfeld received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Vermont and a J.D. from Western New England College School of Law.

Feb. 4: Webinar on the basics of IP in China, Part 1

Register to attend the latest in a series of USPTO webinars focused on intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement in China. This free program, “China IP Basics, Part 1: Protecting your patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights,” is on Thursday, February 4, from 9-10:50 a.m. ET.

Specially designed to address the needs of small and medium-sized businesses looking to protect their IP in China, this program will include presentations by senior attorneys from the USPTO’s China team and experienced practitioners from the private sector.

Reserve your slot for the February 10 and 12 USPTO Black History Month celebrations

Slots are limited for the USPTO’s free online Black History Month celebrations, so make sure to register early.

On February 10, learn from inventors Aprille Ericsson, Ayanna Howard, and Arlyne Simon during “Three contemporary Black women inventors.” Their careers include success in areas as varied as mechanical engineering, robotics, writing books for young inventors, and more. Register today.

On February 12, tune in to “A focus on business—The collaboration between cartoonist and illustrator Liz Montague and Google art director Angelica McKinley” to learn firsthand how large scale creative projects are produced from concept to launch. Get a behind-the-scenes view of how Montague and McKinley created the first guest artist Google Doodle slide show featuring groundbreaking Black cartoonist and activist Jackie Ormes. Register today.

For more information, please email InnovationOutreach@uspto.gov.

Learn online how examiners approach after final practice

Want to be briefed on recent examination practice and procedure guidance on after final practice? Attend our Virtual Instructor Led Training (vILT) course "After Final Practice" on January 26, 27, or 28.

Our trainers will lead this course based on recent training delivered to patent examiners. The course has limited capacity, and selection for attendance is based on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sign up by Monday, January 25 to attend.

The USPTO is applying for one hour of CLE credit in Virginia for this course.

Visit the vILT page of the USPTO website to learn more about the program and upcoming sessions.

Learn about National Inventors Hall of Fame inductees in a new biweekly series

The USPTO and the National Inventors Hall of Fame, a nonprofit organization, have partnered since 1973 to encourage creativity, exploration, and inventiveness; manage the museum located at the USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia; and induct extraordinary inventors into the Hall of Fame.

In a new series highlighting some of the world-changing innovators inducted into the Hall of Fame, we’ll feature an inductee on social media every other Monday. Dr. Victor Lawrence, inducted in 2016, is our first #FeaturedInductee.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to see the latest #FeaturedInductee and to learn more about Victor Lawrence.

Federal Register -- Secondary Trademark Infringement Liability in the E–Commerce Setting

Federal Register
Vol. 86, No. 6
Monday, January 11, 2021

Patent and Trademark Office

NOTICES

Secondary Trademark Infringement Liability in the E–Commerce Setting

1951–1952 [2021–00216]                                           [TEXT]  [PDF]

Mark your calendar: USPTO Black History Month celebrations coming February 10 and 12

Don’t miss the USPTO’s free online Black History Month celebrations coming February 10 and February 12.

On February 10, tune in to “Three contemporary Black women inventors.” Drs. Aprille Ericsson, Ayanna Howard, and Arlyne Simon’s combined careers include success in areas as varied as mechanical engineering, robotics, writing successful books for young inventors, and more. Get valuable insights from firsthand accounts of their amazing careers. Slots are limited, so register today for this free special event.

On February 12, join in for “A focus on business—The collaboration between cartoonist and illustrator Liz Montague and Google art director Angelica McKinley.” Hear how large scale creative projects are produced from concept to launch. Get a behind-the-scenes view of how Montague and McKinley created the first guest artist Google Doodle slide show featuring groundbreaking Black cartoonist and activist Jackie Ormes. This promises to be an inspiring and informative panel discussion about fostering creativity and executing impactful work during a global pandemic. Register early for this free special event.

For more information, please email InnovationOutreach@uspto.gov.

Texas Regional Office Update

Join the USPTO’s Texas Regional Office for exciting events this winter.

We will continue the year with unique programming specially designed for inventors, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and intellectual property (IP) practitioners. Hear from patent experts on how to file applications and avoid common mistakes or broaden your IP expertise by attending seminars on patents, trademarks, and design patents. Our signature Meet the Experts series will also continue with new installments.

We have other events occurring throughout our eight-state region. For a full event listing, visit the Texas Regional Office’s webpage, or see below.  All classes are online.

January			2021
6	Meet the Trademark Experts		12:30 PM CT
7	Innovators and entrepreneurs: Learn about IP basics and helpful resources		12:00 PM ET
8	The Path to a Patent, Part I: IP basics		11:00 AM MT
12	Trademark fundamentals		1:00 PM MT
21	Meet the Patent Experts: Class Two		12:30 PM CT
22	The Path to a Patent, Part III: Patent searching		11:00 AM MT
23	Patent Prosecution Boot Camp, Module Two		1:00 PM ET
29	The Path to a Patent, Part IV: Learn how to draft a patent application		10:00 AM PT

February			2021
4	Innovators and entrepreneurs: Learn about IP basics and helpful resources		12:00 PM ET
6	Patent Prosecution Boot Camp, Module Three		1:00 PM ET
12	The Path to a Patent, Part V: Learn how to draft patent claims		10:00 AM PT
17	Meet the Patent Experts: Class Three		12:30 PM CT
20	Patent Prosecution Boot Camp, Module Four		1:00 PM ET
23	Trademark application walk-through		12:00 PM PT
26	The Path to a Patent, Part VI: Learn how to protect your IP abroad		10:00 AM PT

March			2021
4	Innovators and entrepreneurs: Learn about IP basics and helpful resources		12:00 PM ET
5	Learn to protect your IP on a budget		12:00 PM PT
12	The Path to a Patent, Part VII: Learn how to file your patent application using EFS-Web		11:00 AM MT
17	Meet the Patent Experts: Class Four		12:30 PM CT
19	Learn about design patents		11:00 AM MT
26	Path to a Patent, Part VIII: Common mistakes and support after filing		10:00 AM PT

April			2021
21	Meet the Patent Experts: Class Five		12:30 PM CT

May			2021
19	Meet the Patent Experts: Class One		12:30 PM CT

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January			2021
6	Meet the Trademark Experts	Virtual	12:30 PM CT
7	Innovators and entrepreneurs: Learn about IP basics and helpful resources	Virtual	12:00 PM ET
8	The Path to a Patent, Part I: IP basics	Virtual	11:00 AM MT
12	Trademark fundamentals	Virtual	1:00 PM MT
21	Meet the Patent Experts: Class Two	Virtual	12:30 PM CT
22	The Path to a Patent, Part III: Patent searching	Virtual	11:00 AM MT
23	Patent Prosecution Boot Camp, Module Two	Virtual	1:00 PM ET
29	The Path to a Patent, Part IV: Learn how to draft a patent application	Virtual	10:00 AM PT

Fee schedule update

The fee schedule was recently updated with the following changes:

PCT fees to foreign offices changes, effective January 1:

• 1701: International filing fee (first 30 pages—filed electronically without ePCT or PCT-EASY .zip file)—fee increase from $1,337 to $1,344
• 1710: International filing fee (first 30 pages—filed electronically with ePCT or PCT-EASY .zip file)—fee increase from $1,229 to $1,235
• 1702: International filing fee (first 30 pages)—fee increase from $1,446 to $1,453
• 1704: International search (EPO)—fee decrease from $2,107 to $2,091
• 1715: International search (ILPO)—fee increase from $1,036 to $1,051
• 1712: International search (IPAU)—fee decrease from $1,587 to $1,580
• 1717: International search (IPOS)—fee increase from $1,622 to $1,646
• 1716: International search (JPO)—fee increase from $1,457 to $1,476
• 1709: International search (KIPO)—fee increase from $1,003 to $1,036
• 1714: International search (Rospatent)—fee decrease from $537 to $510
• 1705: Handling fee—fee increase from $217 to $218
• 1706: Handling fee—90% reduction, if applicant meets specified criteria—fee increase from $21.70 to $21.80

Trademark and Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) fee changes, effective January 2:

Some Trademark and TTAB fees changed, effective January 2. See the Summary of FY 2021 Final Trademark Fee Rule for more information.

The fee schedule provides information and fee rates for our products and services. For additional information, please call the USPTO Contact Center at 571-272-1000 or 800-786-9199, or visit the Fees and payment page of the USPTO website.