Business and Legal Insights

We have previously written about the USPTO’s extension of deadlines in light of the COVID19 crisis here and here. 

Patent Deadlines Further Extended for Small and Micro Entities

The USPTO has now extended patent deadlines another month for small and micro entities.  A filing that would have been timely if filed by June 1, 2020 will now be considered timely if filed by July 1, 2020.  For large entities, after May 31, 2020, those entities must seek relief on a case-by-case basis.  The USPTO’s patent notice is here.

No Further Automatic COVID19 Trademark Deadline Extensions

The USPTO has twice provided extensions for certain trademark related deadlines.  Those extensions all expire on May 31, 2020.  Recognizing that even though many businesses are reopening, some applicants and registrants may still require relief.  The USPTO is directing such participants seek relief by way of a petition to the director for applicants or registrants who missed certain deadlines.  The USPTO is continuing to waive the petition fee for such petitions so long as the petition is accompanied by a statement that the delay in filing or payment was due to the COVID19 crisis.  The USPTO’s trademark notice is here.