USPTO Invites Complaints About Shady Invention Promoters to Protect Inventors
Published Date: 8/21/2025
Notice
Summary
The USPTO is asking for approval to keep collecting info about complaints against invention promoters—people who try to sell invention help. This affects inventors and the public by making sure the process stays fair and easy, with no new costs or big changes. They’re giving everyone a little more time to share their thoughts before finalizing things.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12717 — Conditions for Additional Information and Fee in Petitions Filed in Patent Applications and Patents Based on Unintentional Delay
The USPTO is changing the rules for petitions about unintentional delays in patent applications and patents. Now, if your delay is over one year (instead of two), you’ll need to provide extra info and might have to pay a fee. These changes start August 13, 2026, and aim to make patent rights clearer and encourage quicker action.
2026-11575 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) Actions
The USPTO is asking for public feedback on continuing to collect info about Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) actions, which affect businesses and individuals dealing with trademarks. This is a routine step to keep paperwork in check and won’t change fees or deadlines. You’ve got until August 10, 2026, to share your thoughts before the government gives the final thumbs-up.
2026-11098 — Standards Participation and Representation Kudos (SPARK) Pilot Program
The USPTO is launching the SPARK Pilot Program to speed up patent reviews and appeals for U.S. small and medium businesses, universities, and nonprofits that actively join standards groups. If you qualify, your patent application or appeal gets bumped to the front of the line, saving you time and rewarding your teamwork. The program runs from June 3, 2026, until it hits 200 petitions or June 3, 2027—whichever comes first.
2026-08798 — Extension and Modification of the Fast-Track Appeals Pilot Program
The USPTO is extending its Fast-Track Appeals Pilot Program until May 6, 2028, letting inventors speed up their patent appeal reviews. Now, decisions will come even faster—within four months instead of six! This helps inventors get answers quicker without changing fees, making the patent process smoother and snappier.
2026-08101 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; DOCX Submission Requirements
The USPTO is asking for public comments on updating their rules about submitting patent applications in DOCX format. If you don’t use DOCX for certain patent filings, you might have to pay a fee starting from January 2024. Comments are open until June 26, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up if you’re affected!
2026-07831 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Secrecy and License To Export
The USPTO is asking for your thoughts on renewing a form that helps keep some patent info secret for national security and controls exporting licenses. This affects inventors and businesses dealing with sensitive tech, aiming to keep paperwork light and clear. You’ve got until May 22, 2026, to share your comments—no fees, just your voice!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-15997 — Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of New Mexico
The President has declared a major disaster in New Mexico because of severe storms, flooding, and landslides. This means local communities can get federal help to fix public buildings and infrastructure. The support starts right away, helping New Mexico bounce back faster and stronger.
Next: 2025-16001 — Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development; Notice of Meeting
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development is holding a meeting on June 5, 2026, to review research progress and evaluate scientists’ work. This meeting affects researchers seeking grants and the public interested in child health research updates. Some parts are private to protect personal info, but the open session will be streamed online for everyone to watch.