On March 31, 2020, the USPTO announced that it would use provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), to extend the time to file certain patent and trademark-related documents and to pay certain required fees.

In addition to extension fees, the USPTO announced it will waive petition fees in certain situations for customers impacted by the coronavirus. The agency’s offices remain closed to the public with all interviews, oral hearings, and other in-person meetings being conducted remotely by video or telephone.

The USPTO continues to evaluate the evolving situation around COVID-19, and we have linked its official notices related to the provisions below. In addition, the agency has created a single webpage to centralize access to information, updates, and operating status.

Patent-related timing deadlines:

https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Patents%20CARES%20Act.pdf

Trademark-related timing deadlines:

https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/TM-Notice-CARES-Act.pdf


Suiter Swantz IP is a full-service intellectual property law firm providing client-centric patenttrademark, and copyright services. If you need assistance with an intellectual property matter and would like to speak with one of our attorneys, please contact us at info@suiter.com.