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]