THE TM LAWYER

Earlier this year, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) released a final rule, which recently just went into effect in early July 2017. The rule, which amends, Title 37, Part 2 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations is meant to provide specific and detailed directions on the deadlines and requirements for (1) requesting revival of abandoned trademark applications, (2) requesting reinstatement of abandoned, cancelled, or expired trademark registrations, and (3) requesting any other action from the Director of the USPTO. Through the its changes, the USPTO hopes to make the process of applying for and maintaining trademarks easier and more efficient for the public at large. This post will primarily focus on the first two points of change.