Patent Office Reviews Its List of Patent Agents
Published Date: 7/17/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Patent Practitioner Registration Burden
The USPTO is renewing the information collection (OMB Control Number 0651-0012) used to review applications to become or remain a registered patent attorney or agent. The agency estimates 5,578 annual respondents and responses, each taking about 5 to 45 minutes, for a total of 2,775 annual burden hours and an estimated $798,130 in annual non-hourly cost burden; comments are due on or before August 17, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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