Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Changes in the Requirements for Collective Marks

Changes in Requirements for Collective Trademarks and Service Marks, Collective Membership Marks, and Certification Marks
Final rule
Federal Register Volume 80, Number 112 (Thursday, June 11, 2015)] [Pages 33170-33190]

SUMMARY: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (``USPTO'') is amending the rules related to collective trademarks, collective service marks, and collective membership marks (together ``collective marks''), and certification marks to clarify application requirements, allegations of use requirements, multiple-class application requirements, and registration maintenance requirements for such

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marks. These rule changes codify current USPTO practice set forth in the USPTO's ``Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure'' (``TMEP'') and precedential case law. These changes also permit the USPTO to provide the public more detailed guidance regarding registering and maintaining registrations for these types of marks and promote the efficient and consistent processing of such marks. Further, the USPTO is amending several rules beyond those related to collective marks and certification marks to create consistency with rule changes regarding such marks and to streamline the rules, by consolidating text and incorporating headings, for easier use.

DATES: This rule is effective on July 11, 2015.

To see the complete rule access: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-06-11/html/2015-14267.htm

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cynthia Lynch, Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Trademark Examination Policy, at (571) 272-8742 or tmpolicy@uspto.gov.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

National Summer Teacher Institute on Innovation, STEM, and Intellectual Property

Notice from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO):
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will host its 2nd Annual National Summer Teacher Institute on Innovation, STEM, and Intellectual Property on July 12-17, 2015 in Dallas, Texas. This multi-day professional development training opportunity is designed to help middle and high school teachers incorporate concepts of making, inventing, and intellectual property creation and protection into classroom instruction. Participants are expected to implement lessons learned into their classrooms in order to support development of a STEM/Innovation- learning ecosystem. The program is open to teachers nation-wide. Apply to be a part of this exciting program. Travel and lodging expenses, in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations and USPTO travel policy, will be covered for teachers who are traveling more than 50 miles to the venue. For more information, review our FAQ. Space is limited! Apply Now! (Requires Adobe Reader®)
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