USPTO Streamlines Event Forms: Thrilling Paperwork Overhaul Alert
Published Date: 9/24/2026
Notice
Summary
The USPTO is asking for public feedback on a new plan to simplify how they collect info for events, registrations, and programs they run. This change will make it easier and faster to get approval for forms used at these events, affecting anyone who attends or participates. Comments are open until November 23, 2026, with no new costs expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Estimated time and cost to register
If you sign up for a USPTO-sponsored event, the USPTO estimates there will be about 100,000 responses per year, each taking about 5 minutes (0.08 hours). The agency estimates a total annual respondent burden of 8,333 hours and an aggregate annual cost burden of $2,072,500 using a blended hourly rate of $248.71.
What personal data the USPTO will collect
When you register for USPTO events, the agency may collect common personal details such as your name, organization, email, phone, address, country, state, city or town, special accommodation requests, and how you heard about the event. The USPTO will use this information to track attendance, make logistical arrangements (like seating and venue selection), facilitate post-event follow-ups, and assess participant experience.
Participation is voluntary and won’t affect other USPTO benefits
Providing information for these event registrations is voluntary, and the USPTO says the information "will have no effect on an individual's application for other USPTO programs or benefits."
Information may be used to facilitate travel reimbursements
The USPTO states that, if applicable, the collected information may be used to facilitate respondents' payment for travel and hotel expenses related to USPTO events.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17524, 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 United States Patent and Trademark Office (hereafter "USPTO" or "Agency") will submit the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, on or after the date of publication of this notice. The USPTO invites comments on the information collection renewal of 0651-0063, which helps the USPTO assess the impact of its information collection requirements and minimize the reporting burden to the public. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on April 20, 2026, during a 60-day comment period (91 FR 20986). This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments.
2026-17525, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Substantive Submissions Made During the Prosecution of the Trademark Application
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (hereafter "USPTO" or "Agency"), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection: 0651-0054 (Substantive Submissions Made During the Prosecution of the Trademark Application). The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comments preceding submission of the information collection to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
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