Patenting Germs? USPTO Updates Forms for Storing Tiny Life Forms

2026-05564 — Required Use by Foreign Applicants and Patent Owners of a Patent Practitioner

Starting July 20, 2026, anyone outside the U.S. applying for or owning a U.S. patent must work with a registered patent expert. This change makes the U.S. match other countries, speeds up patent processing, and helps stop fraud. If you’re a foreign inventor or patent owner, get ready to team up with a pro to keep your patent game strong!

2026-05221 — 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 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.

2026-04987 — Supplemental Guidance for Examination of Design Patent Applications Related to Computer-Generated Interfaces and Icons

The USPTO just updated its rules to give designers more freedom when applying for patents on computer-generated interfaces and icons. This change affects anyone filing or already working on design patent applications related to digital images, starting March 13, 2026. It means you can now show your cool, original designs in new ways without extra hassle—no extra fees, just more creative control!

2026-04901 — Request for Comments on the World Intellectual Property Organization Riyadh Design Law Treaty

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office wants your thoughts on joining a new global treaty that makes it easier and faster to protect cool designs worldwide. If the U.S. signs on, designers could save time and money when applying for design protections both here and abroad. You’ve got until June 11, 2026, to share your ideas and help shape this decision!

2026-04345 — Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 9,724,499; V-WAVE® Ventura® Interatrial Shunt System

The U.S. Patent Office just gave V-Wave Ltd. a one-year extra boost on their patent for the V-WAVE Ventura Interatrial Shunt System because the FDA review is still happening. This means V-Wave keeps exclusive rights to their medical device until March 11, 2027, giving them more time to market it without competition. It’s a win for innovation and business while the final FDA approval is still in progress!

2026-03860 — Request for Comments on Community Outreach Office Locations in the Southeast Region

The Patent and Trademark Office wants your ideas on where to open new community outreach offices in the Southeast, covering 10 states like Florida and Georgia. These offices will help inventors and businesses connect better with the government. If you want to share your thoughts, send them by March 30, 2026—no public meetings, just your written comments!

Previous: 2026-04518 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) wants your feedback on their plan to collect some information from the public. This is a routine step to make sure the questions they ask are useful and not too much work. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until April 8, 2026, to share them—no cost, just your voice!

Next: 2026-04521 — Certain Off-Road Vehicles and Components Thereof; Notice of Institution of Investigation

Polaris Inc. has asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate certain off-road vehicles and parts that might be breaking their patents. If the investigation finds problems, it could lead to bans on importing and selling these products in the U.S., affecting companies and customers soon. This could shake up the off-road vehicle market and impact sales and availability.