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USPTO Issues Update to KSR Examination Guidelines

The USPTO Atrium in the Madision Building

The USPTO is providing an update to its examination guidelines concerning the law of obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 in light of recent precedential decisions of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued since the 2007 decision by the United States Supreme Court in KSR Int’l Co. v. Teleflex Inc.

Minority Business Development Agency 28th annual National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Conference Banner

Director Kappos delivered remarks at the 28th annual National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Conference in Washington, D.C.

Night shot of the Congressional Dome on the Hill in Washington, DC.

On Tuesday, August 10, President Barack Obama signed into law P.L. 111-224 that gives the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) the authority to spend an additional $129 million of the fees the agency will collect in Fiscal Year (FY) 2010.

USPTO Issues Interim Guidance for Determining Subject Matter Eligibility for Process Claims in View of Bilski v. Kappos.

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Patents

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Patents Process
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View Fee Schedule
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Apply for a patent using the Electronic Filing System (EFS-Web)
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Appeal
Learn the appeal process via the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences (BPAI)
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Assignments
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Electronic Business Center
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Patent Prosecution Highway

Ombudsman Pilot Program

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Trademarks

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Read Basic Information and View Instructional Videos
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Search pending and registered marks (TESS)
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File Forms Online
File application and other documents online (TEAS)
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Check the status of an application or registration (TARR)
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View and download application and registration records (TDR) and order certified copies
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View Fee Schedule
Check the current trademark fees
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Trademark Trial and Appeal Board
Visit TTAB Home Page
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Assignments
Visit Assignments Home Page

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IP Policy

IP Policy and Enforcement
USPTO leads efforts to develop and strengthen both domestic and international IP protection
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The Global IP Academy (GIPA) offers IP related programs around the world
Boards and Counsel
General Counsel, Office of the Solicitor, Office of General Law, Office of Enrollment and Discipline, Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, and Trademark Trial and Appeal Board
Interested in Copyrights?
The USPTO advises the Administration on copyright protection and policy
Protecting Intellectual Property
Strategy Targeting Organized Piracy (STOP!) helps businesses protect their IP at home and abroad
Rulemaking
The USPTO continues to propose new initiatives to make its operations more efficient

More about IP Law & Policy

Apply to Exhibit Free at the USPTO's 2010 National Trademark Expo October 15th and 16th.

T.Markey says, "Come join the fun" while Commissioner for Trademarks Lynne Beresford speaks at the USPTO podium.

Corporate exhibitors, trademark characters, themed displays, and educational seminars illustrate the vital role trademarks play in the global economy.

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“Director’s Forum” Blog