USPTO portable media device policy changing October 1

Beginning Tuesday, October 1, the USPTO will prohibit the use of personal removable media storage devices, including USBs, with any USPTO computer, docking station, or monitor. Such devices include:

• Portable disk drives such as USB drives or memory cards
• Digital versatile discs (DVDs)
• Read/write compact discs (CDs)
• Devices that can operate as removable media storage devices (e.g. PDAs, digital cameras, and Apple iPods).

Visitors who need to share files with USPTO employees must transmit their data via email, cloud-based, or secure-file sharing services.

For more information on our removable media policy, please visit the policy webpage or email us at USB_Questions@uspto.gov.

Extension to the request for comments on patenting artificial intelligence inventions

In late August, the USPTO published a request for comments (RFC) seeking public comment on the subject of patenting artificial intelligence inventions. We will soon publish a new notice extending the public comment period until November 8, 2019.

Written comments in reference to this RFC should be sent by email to AIPartnership@uspto.gov.

Login requirement for TEAS and TEASi coming on October 26

As part of our efforts to build a more secure trademark filing system, we are implementing changes to the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) and TEASi (international).

Changes effective on October 26:

• Access to forms: When you enter any TEAS or TEASi form, you will be prompted to log in to your USPTO.gov account with a two-step authentication. We will send you an authentication code during the login process, and you will be required to enter the code to access the form.
  
  
• TEAS time out: Your TEAS or TEASi session will time out after 30 minutes of inactivity. If you are starting a new application, review the minimum filing requirements in the TMEP and the additional TEAS Plus or TEAS RF filing requirements.

Sign up for a USPTO.gov account to make sure you are ready for this change. Learn more about these changes and the additional security enhancements we are developing.  

Attend live hearings at the PTAB/TTAB Stadium Tour In Chicago

A live PTAB and TTAB proceedings on Thursday, October 3 at the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in Chicago. Opening remarks start at 10 a.m. CT. This event will include a trademark opposition hearing, an AIA trial hearing, and an educational session where Board judges will share tips for successful advocacy before the TTAB and PTAB.

This program is for patent and trademark attorneys who appear in front of the PTAB and/or TTAB as well as those who want to learn about practice before these administrative tribunals. This program is free and open to the public. Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits will be offered.

Get detailed information on the event page to view the program location, program agenda, and law school venue. 

Webinar on filing patent applications electronically using DOCX

Join us for a Patent Quality Chat webinar on September 24, from noon to 1 p.m. ET. During this online-only webinar, we’ll discuss filing structured text (DOCX) as an efficient way to file a patent application electronically. You’ll learn what structured text is and how you can use it to file nonprovisional utility applications.

The webinar is free and open to all. Registration is not necessary. There will be a Q&A session at the end of the presentation. Please email questions before or during the webinar to PatentQuality@uspto.gov.

Find more information about this webinar on our event page.

The USPTO presents the Patent Quality Chat webinar series as a part of continuous efforts to improve patent quality.