USPTO Seeks Input on Free Patent Help Paperwork Updates
Published Date: 10/2/2025
Notice
Summary
The USPTO is asking for your thoughts on updating their Patent and PTAB Pro Bono Programs info forms. These programs help people who can’t afford patent legal help, so changes could make things smoother for applicants and volunteers. You’ve got 60 days to share your feedback before the government gives the final thumbs-up—no extra costs involved!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Patent Pro Bono Forms Could Ease Access
The USPTO plans to extend and revise information collection 0651-0082 for the Patent and PTAB Pro Bono Programs. These programs help people who can’t afford patent legal help, and the agency says the changes could make the process smoother for applicants and volunteer attorneys. The notice asks for public comments for 60 days before the collection is sent to OMB and states there are no additional costs involved.
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
2026-11575 — 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!
2026-07574 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) Appeals
The Patent and Trademark Office is asking for public feedback on how it collects information for appeals handled by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). This is a routine update to keep things running smoothly and make sure the process is clear and efficient. If you’re involved in patent appeals, now’s your chance to share your thoughts before June 22, 2026!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-19356 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 2026 Amendment 2
The Department wants to update how it collects info for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in 2026. This affects schools, students, and educators who help with the big national test that checks how well kids are learning. The update aims to make the process smoother without adding extra costs or time burdens, and they’re asking for public feedback before finalizing changes.
Next: 2025-19359 — Notice of Intent To Extend and Continue Concession Contracts and Award Temporary Concession Contracts
The National Park Service is extending and continuing some concession contracts for parks while they work on new deals. This means businesses running park services like food, lodging, or tours can keep operating without interruption. These changes will last until new contracts are ready, keeping things smooth for visitors and vendors alike.