TrademarksUSA
Routine monitoring of attorney information in trademark records helps detect misuse and safeguards professional reputation
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) urges trademark attorneys to periodically check their bar credentials in the trademark register to ensure accuracy and prevent unauthorized use. Misuse of attorney identities, particularly in filings by foreign applicants required to have U.S.-licensed counsel, rem…
Sunday, May 17, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
TrademarksUSA
Building on prior gains, the USPTO reduces trademark first action and disposal pendency amid rising filings
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has achieved significant reductions in trademark application processing times during the first half of fiscal year 2026. Despite a 7% increase in filings, first action pendency dropped by 20%, and overall disposal pendency decreased substantially. The agency is imp…
Sunday, May 17, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
PatentsUSA
The Office of Financial Management Systems to perform routine updates, causing temporary unavailability of Vendor Portal services
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced that its Vendor Portal will undergo scheduled maintenance on Wednesday, May 6, from 8 to 11 p.m. Eastern Time. During this period, the portal will be inaccessible to users. The Office of Financial Management Systems (OFMS) is conducting the routine mainte…
Sunday, May 17, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
PatentsUSA
A historical overview of landmark American trademarks reveals their enduring impact on commerce and culture
Since the first federal trademark registration in 1870, iconic American brands have leveraged trademark protection to build consumer trust and distinguish themselves in competitive markets. This article explores the origins and evolution of notable U.S. trademarks, from Averill Chemical Paint Company to contemporary g…
Sunday, May 17, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
PatentsUSA
Director John A. Squires reflects on the historic foundation of U.S. intellectual property rights and celebrates the enduring Anglo-American partnership in innovation
At the 2026 INTA Annual Meeting in London, USPTO Director John A. Squires emphasized the unique constitutional basis for intellectual property rights in the United States. He underscored the longstanding commitment to innovation embedded in the U.S. Constitution and highlighted the strong transatlantic ties between th…
Sunday, May 17, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
TrademarksUSA
New registration requirement aims to enhance security and user experience for USPTO’s Open Data Portal
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced that beginning June 18, 2026, users will be required to register and log in with a USPTO.gov account to access the Open Data Portal (ODP). This change is part of a broader initiative to strengthen data security and reduce unregistered bot traffic, ensurin…
Sunday, May 17, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
PatentsUSA
USPTO Highlights Historical Inventors Who Shaped America’s Progress and Liberty
As the United States marks 250 years of independence, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) honors the legacy of American inventors and entrepreneurs whose creativity and determination have driven technological and social advancements. From pioneering inventions that aided wartime efforts to iconic sym…
Sunday, May 17, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
PatentsUSA
With a career spanning nearly three decades at the USPTO, David Wiley now leads critical patent examination units and strategic offices, driving innovation in biotechnology, AI, a…
David Wiley, a seasoned USPTO executive and patent examiner since 1994, has been appointed Acting Deputy Commissioner. He provides leadership over offices responsible for training, statistics, process improvement, and stakeholder outreach, while overseeing patent examination in technology centers focused on biotechnol…
Sunday, May 17, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
PatentsUSA
Updated memorandum enhances guidance on SMED submissions and introduces Deputy Commissioner Barry J. Schindler’s role in AI policy
The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued an updated memorandum on best practices for submitting Rule 132 Subject Matter Eligibility Declarations (SMEDs). This revision incorporates practitioner feedback from the program’s initial phase and outlines additional recommendations for 35 U.S.C. § 101 eligibi…
Sunday, May 17, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
PatentsUSA
The United States Patent and Trademark Office invites stakeholders to participate in the concluding event of its spring series focused on enhancing PTAB efficiency and effectivene…
The USPTO has announced that registration is now open for the third and final session of its Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) spring listening series. Scheduled for May 18, 2026, this session will feature expert panels discussing potential reforms to improve PTAB operations. Attendees may join in person or virtual…
Sunday, May 17, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
PatentsUSA
Office of Human Resources Offers Real-Time Insights for Prospective Patent Examiners
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will hold a live virtual event on May 26 from 1 to 1:30 p.m. ET, providing prospective patent examiner applicants an opportunity to engage directly with the Office of Human Resources (OHR). Attendees can ask questions about the application process and receive guida…
Sunday, May 17, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
TrademarksUSA
April 29 USPTO Hour to Feature Insights from Acting Chief AI & Data Officer Robert Hayes
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will hold its next USPTO Hour on April 29, focusing on the agency's efforts to advance artificial intelligence (AI) innovation. The hybrid event will include a presentation by Robert Hayes, Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property…
Sunday, May 17, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
PatentsUSA
The 'Successful Inventing 2026' series continues with expert guidance on licensing products and concepts for inventors and innovators
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Western Regional Outreach Office, in partnership with the Licensing Executives Society – Silicon Valley Chapter (LES-SVC), will present a virtual session focused on licensing strategies for inventors. Scheduled for May 13, 2026, this event is part of the ongoing 'S…
Sunday, May 17, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
AI & IPUSA
The United States Patent and Trademark Office delays its scheduled May 6 webinar on IT modernization and AI-driven efficiency, promising a future update on the rescheduled event.
The USPTO has announced the postponement of its upcoming 'USPTO Hour' webinar originally set for May 6, which was to highlight the agency's efforts in IT innovation, automation, and AI integration. The session, hosted by the Office of the Chief Information Officer and featuring Acting CIO Debbie Stephens, aims to prov…
Sunday, May 17, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
TrademarksUSA
Director John A. Squires to Lead World IP Day Panel Addressing NIL, Trademark Risks, and AI Deepfakes for Athletes and Creators
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will debut an on-site educational presence at the 2026 NFL Draft® in Pittsburgh, offering trademark and brand protection guidance tailored to athletes, creators, and personal brand builders. USPTO Director John A. Squires will moderate a World IP Day panel focusing on name,…
Sunday, May 17, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
LitigationUSA
The athletic apparel giant accuses Costco of selling lower-cost 'dupes' that imitate Lululemon’s distinctive designs, highlighting contrasting U.S. and Canadian intellectual prope…
Lululemon Athletica has initiated litigation against Costco Wholesale in the United States, alleging infringement of trademarks, trade dress, and design patents related to its popular SCUBA® hoodies, DEFINE® jackets, and ABC® pants. The case underscores the legal complexities surrounding fashion 'dupes' and the differ…
Sunday, May 17, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
TrademarksUSA
Practical trademarks context for IP teams tracking Trademarks, Fighting, USPTO.
IIPLA reviews the trademarks implications of Trademarks, Fighting, USPTO, with practical notes for USA IP teams monitoring risk, enforcement, licensing, and portfolio strategy.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
TrademarksUSA
Practical trademarks context for IP teams tracking Trademarks, Celebrate, Southwest Regional Outreach Office.
IIPLA reviews the trademarks implications of Trademarks, Celebrate, Southwest Regional Outreach Office, with practical notes for USA IP teams monitoring risk, enforcement, licensing, and portfolio strategy.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
