USPTO Seeks Feedback on Patent Attorney Roster Update Procedures
Published Date: 3/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The USPTO is asking for public feedback on updating how they collect info about patent attorneys and agents who can practice before them. This affects patent pros who want to stay on the official roster and keep practicing. Comments are open until May 18, 2026, with no new fees, just a smoother info update process.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Application and Filing Fees Required
Applicants must pay listed non-refundable fees when filing: a $118 application fee for registration (3,293 responses), a $124 fee for extension requests (764 responses), and other fees (e.g., $226 on-registration fee for 1,094 responses). The USPTO estimates total annual non-hour filing fees of $798,086 associated with these responses.
Overall Estimated Annual Burden and Costs
The USPTO estimates 11,085 annual respondents and 11,085 annual responses (overall figures listed), with a total estimated annual respondent burden of 2,767 hours and an estimated total annual respondent hourly cost burden of $1,236,849. The Agency also estimates total annual non-hour respondent costs of $798,130 (filing fees and postage).
New Undertaking Form Added
The USPTO is adding Item 6 (Undertaking Under 37 CFR 11.10(b)) as form PTO-275 to this information collection. The Agency estimates 61 annual responses for this item, each taking about 0.50 hours (30 minutes), producing an estimated annual respondent cost burden of $13,857.
Certain Forms Removed as Exempt
The USPTO removed several items from this information collection because OMB declared them exempt under 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(1), 1320.3(h)(2), and 1320.3(h)(7). Removed items include: Registration Examination to Become a Registered Practitioner (Reasonable Accommodation--PTO 158RA), Change of Registration from Agent to Attorney (PTO 158), and Written Requests (Certificate of Good Standing, Disciplinary History).
No Notarization Required for Oath
The USPTO no longer requires the Oath or Affirmation (PTO-1209) to be notarized when submitted. This eliminates notary costs previously incurred by attorneys or agents for that submission.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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