USPTO Seeks Feedback on Patent Attorney Roster Update Procedures

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!

2026-04901 — 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!

2026-04987 — 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!

2026-04519 — 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: 2026-05218 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) wants your thoughts on their plan to collect some info from the public. This is a routine check to make sure the questions they ask aren’t too much work and actually help them do their job better. If you have ideas or concerns, you’ve got until April 17, 2026, to speak up—no money changes, just your chance to help shape the process!

Next: 2026-05222 — Notice of Formal Determination on Records Release

The Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board decided to release most pages from two important civil rights cold case files, making 1,623 pages available to the public. Some sensitive information will stay sealed for now, but the Board might revisit that later. These decisions follow a law that requires quick public updates and don’t involve any new costs or deadlines for the public.