A series of revisions punctuated the release of the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) Examination Guide 4-19 (Revised). One of the most important requirements that survived the guide’s revisions concerns the once-reciprocal arrangement allowing Canadian attorneys to file trademark applications with the USPTO. Under 4-19, Canadian attorneys can only serve alongside a US attorney: Canadian patent agents will no longer be authorized to represent Canadian trademark applicants, registrants, or parties before the USPTO in trademark matters. Canadian trademark attorneys and agents will continue, if eligible, to be recognized as additionally appointed practitioners who can represent their Canadian clients,… [read more]

The USPTO and Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (“TTAB”) joined the rest of us in attempting to improve with a New Year’s resolution. However, instead of already giving up on gym membership plans, the USPTO has taken 2017 by storm with an emphasis on digital efficiency, some rule changes, and everyone’s favorite, increased fees. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner, or an individual navigating the trademark tickets yourself, you should bookmark this page for reference now that January 14, 2017, rule changes are in effect. Efficiency It’s not very often that one hears the words “efficient” and “government” uttered in… [read more]