USPTO Refreshes Database Guarding Sacred Native Tribal Insignia from Misuse
Published Date: 1/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The USPTO is asking for public feedback on updating the Native American Tribal Insignia Database, which helps protect tribal symbols from misuse. This update affects Native American tribes and anyone using their official insignia, with comments due by March 24, 2026. There’s no new cost, but your input will shape how this important database stays accurate and useful.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Tribes May Submit Official Insignia
Federally- and state-recognized Native American tribes may submit their official insignia to the USPTO Native American Tribal Insignia Database. Submissions must be in writing and include a depiction of the insignia, the tribe name and correspondence address, a tribal resolution adopting the insignia, and a statement signed by an authorized tribal official.
Inclusion Does Not Create Trademark Rights
If a tribe's insignia is entered in the database, that entry does not grant trademark rights, does not create a legal presumption of validity or priority, and is not the same as federal trademark registration under 15 U.S.C. 1051 et seq. The USPTO will include properly submitted insignia but does not investigate whether the insignia is actually the tribe's official insignia.
Estimated Time and Cost Burden for Submissions
The USPTO estimates 39 annual respondents and 39 responses, with each response taking about 1 hour. The estimated hourly rate used is $87.86, for a total annual respondent hourly cost burden of $3,426 and estimated annual postage costs of $24.
State-Recognized Tribes Must Provide State Proof
State-recognized tribes that request database entry must include the same three items as federally recognized tribes (insignia depiction, tribal resolution, signed statement) and also must include either a document from a state official evidencing tribal determination or a citation to a state statute designating the entity as a Native American tribe.
Public Comments Will Be Public Record
Comments on this information collection are due by March 24, 2026, and all comments submitted will be a matter of public record. If you include an address, phone number, email, or other personally identifiable information (PII), that information may be made publicly available.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16744, Request for Comments on Community Outreach Office Locations in the Southwest States
The USPTO wants your ideas on where to open new community outreach offices in the Southwest states like Arizona and Texas. These offices will help inventors, small businesses, and students get better support with patents. Share your thoughts by September 16, 2026, so the USPTO can pick the best spots and keep innovation booming without extra costs to you!
2026-16315, Administrative Updates to the General Requirements Bulletin for Admission to the Examination for Registration To Practice in Patent Cases Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office
Starting August 11, 2026, the USPTO is upgrading Biomedical Science degrees from Category B to Category A for patent bar eligibility. This means more people with this degree can now take the patent exam and become patent practitioners. No extra fees or delays—just a smoother path for those with the right science background to join the patent world!
2026-14939, Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 8,877,798; Centanafadine Hydrochloride
Otsuka America Pharmaceutical got a one-year extra patent life for their drug centanafadine hydrochloride because the FDA review is still going on. This means their patent, which was set to expire on July 25, 2026, now lasts until July 25, 2027. This extension helps Otsuka keep exclusive rights to their drug a bit longer while waiting for final FDA approval.
2026-14941, Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 8,461,196; Centanafadine Hydrochloride
Otsuka America Pharmaceutical got a one-year extra patent life for their drug centanafadine hydrochloride because the FDA review is still going on. This means they keep exclusive rights to the drug until July 25, 2027, giving them more time to sell it without competition. This extension helps the company protect their investment while the drug gets final approval.
2026-14793, Requirement To Identify All Real Parties in Interest to a Third Party Request for an Ex Parte Reexamination
The USPTO wants anyone asking for a third-party ex parte reexamination to clearly say who’s really behind the request. This helps stop sneaky tricks and keeps the process honest. If you’re involved, get ready to share this info confidentially by August 21, 2026, or risk delays or issues.
2026-14388, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Admission to Practice and Roster of Registered Patent Attorneys and Agents Admitted to Practice Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office
The USPTO is asking for public feedback on its paperwork rules for patent attorneys and agents who want to practice before the office. This helps keep the process smooth and fair without making people fill out too many forms. If you have thoughts, send them in by August 17, 2026—no fees or big changes are happening right now, just a review.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01228, Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request on Retirement Plans; Cash or Deferred Arrangements and Matching Contributions or Employee Contributions and Guidance With Respect to Matching Contributions Made on Account of Qualified Student Loan Payments
The IRS wants your thoughts on how it collects info about retirement plans, especially those that match your student loan payments. If you’re involved with these plans—like employers or employees—this could affect how info is shared and reported. Get your comments in by March 24, 2026, to help shape smoother, clearer rules without extra hassle or costs.
Next: 2026-01231, Certain Oil Vaporizing Devices, Components Thereof, and Products Containing the Same; Notice of the Commission's Final Determination Finding a Violation of Section 337; Issuance of a Limited Exclusion Order and Cease and Desist Orders; Termination of the Investigation
The U.S. International Trade Commission found that certain oil vaporizing devices and their parts violate patent rules. They’re blocking these products from entering the U.S. without permission and ordering two companies to stop selling them. This means affected businesses must act fast or face legal and financial consequences starting now.