Biomed Grads Get Fast-Track to Patent Bar Glory
Published Date: 8/11/2026
Notice
Summary
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!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Biomedical Science added to Category A
If you hold a Biomedical Science degree, that degree is now explicitly listed under Category A for USPTO patent registration eligibility. This change takes effect August 11, 2026 and is intended to streamline the application process and encourage broader participation by prospective patent practitioners.
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
2026-14941, 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.
2026-14939, 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.
2026-14793, 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.
2026-14389, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Response to Office Action and Voluntary Amendment Forms
The USPTO is asking for public feedback on updating forms used to respond to trademark office actions and make voluntary changes. This affects anyone applying for or managing trademarks and could streamline the process without extra costs. Comments are open until September 15, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-14240, References to Electronic Filing Systems in Rules of Practice in Filings Pursuant to the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks
The USPTO is updating its rules to swap out specific electronic filing system names with more general terms for submitting international trademark applications under the Madrid Protocol. This change won’t affect how you file or any fees—it just makes the language clearer and easier to follow. The new rule kicks in on July 15, 2026, and applies to anyone filing international trademark paperwork from the U.S.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-16311, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Renewal Collection and Request for Comment; Generic Clearance for TSCA Section 4 Test Rules, Test Orders, Enforceable Consent Agreements (ECAs), Voluntary Data Submissions, and Exemptions From Testing Requirement (Renewal)
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), this document announces the availability of and solicits public comment on the following Information Collection Request (ICR) that EPA is planning to submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Generic Clearance for TSCA Section 4 Test Rules, Test Orders, Enforceable Consent Agreements (ECAs), Voluntary Data Submissions, and Exemptions from Testing Requirement (Renewal) (EPA ICR No. 1139.52 and OMB Control No. 2070-0033). This ICR represents a renewal of an existing ICR that is currently approved through March 31, 2027. Before submitting the ICR to OMB for review and approval under the PRA, EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the information collection that is summarized in this document. The ICR and accompanying material are available in the docket for public review and comment.
Next: 2026-16316, Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental To Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the North Barge Expansion Project at Dutch Harbor, Alaska
NMFS has received a request from the Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska (QTU) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to the North Barge Expansion Project at Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals incidental to the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on a possible one-time, 1-year renewal that could be issued under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met, as described in the Request for Public Comments section at the end of this notice. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested MMPA authorization.