AIPLA Submits Comments on Proposed TTAB Rule Changes

The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) has submitted extensive comments on the proposed TTAB Rule Changes. Its thirteen-page letter (here) asserts, inter alia, that mandatory disclosure will be onerous and costly, will discourage early settlement, will increase discovery motion practice, and will decrease the efficiency of discover and trial. AIPLA requests that the PTO hold a public hearing "to give users the opportunity to fully explain the ramifications of these proposed changes."


The comment period on the proposed rules is set to expire on March 20, 2006, although the PTO is reportedly considering a number of requests that the comment period be extended and that a public hearing be held.
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