USPTO Extends Deadlines for Comments on Two Proposed Changes, Finalizes "Universal Symbols" Examination Guide

The USPTO is providing additional time for public comment feedback on two recently published notices. First, the USPTO has extended by three weeks the period for comment on the previously-published Request for Comments Regarding Amending the First Filing Deadline for Affidavits or Declarations of Use or Excusable Nonuse (here). The USPTO is providing the public, including user groups, with an opportunity to comment on a potential legislative change to amend the first filing deadline for Affidavits or Declarations of Use or Excusable Nonuse under Sections 8 and 71 of the Trademark Act. The new deadline for public comment is November 5, 2012. Second, the USPTO has extended by one week, to October 22, 2012, the deadline for comments on the previously-published Notice of Inquiry Regarding Adjustment of Fees for Trademark Applications (here). The notice seeks input regarding possible adjustments to trademark application filing fees so as to promote efficiency for the USPTO and customers by incentivizing complete electronic communication.

Also, a new trademark examination guide has issued on universal symbols. In response to feedback from practitioners and other stakeholders expressing a desire to provide constructive input on trademark examination guides before they are finalized, the USPTO previously made a draft of this guide available for public comment. The final version of the guide is now available on the “Manuals, Guides, Official Gazette” page of the USPTO website (here).
.