USPTO Eases Design Patents for Computer Icons and Interfaces

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.

2026-04901 — 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!

2026-04519 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Deposit of Biological Materials

The USPTO is asking for your thoughts on renewing a form that helps patent applicants deposit biological materials, like tiny living things, when applying for patents. This update won’t cost you money but aims to keep paperwork easy and clear. If you want to share your ideas, make sure to comment by April 8, 2026!

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: 2026-04986 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Federal Student Aid User Experience Design Research Generic Clearance

The Department of Education wants to keep collecting feedback from students and families to make Federal Student Aid easier to use. They’re asking for public comments by April 13, 2026, to make sure this process stays helpful without causing extra hassle. This effort won’t cost more or change how often they ask for info, but it helps improve student aid services for everyone.

Next: 2026-04988 — Office of the Secretary; Cancellation of Meeting

The big March 19th meeting for the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee at NIH is canceled. If you were planning to attend or follow updates, don’t worry—a new date will be announced soon. No money or deadlines are affected right now, so just stay tuned for the next notice!