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An ethics blog for IP attorneys

Three Lessons from the USPTO’s Recent Disciplinary Decisions Regarding Working with Foreign Trademark Associates

By Emil Ali | October 25, 2024

From our previous posts, it is clear that, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has been increasing investigations and disciplinary actions against those who work with foreign trademark associates.  However, in today’s global economy, many clients demand global trademark and patent protection—so is it unethical for a U.S. Trademark Attorney to work with […]

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Navigating the Patent Bar: Understanding the OED’s Moral Character Evaluation

By Emil Ali | October 17, 2024
Patent bar

Congratulations on passing the patent bar! While this is a significant achievement, the journey to becoming a registered patent agent or attorney isn’t quite over. The Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED) plays a crucial role in ensuring that only individuals of good moral character are admitted to the patent bar. The OED evaluates applicants’ […]

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The USPTO’s New Design Patent Bar: A Closer Look at the Numbers

By Emil Ali | September 3, 2024

On January 2, 2024, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) introduced the “Design Patent Bar,” which was an expansion designed to encourage diversity.  As USPTO Director Kathi Vidal stated in the months leading up to the new offering, the design patent bar was one of the ways she was working to ensure “everybody […]

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Paws For Celebration: How Furry Coworkers Changed Office Life Forever

By Michael E. McCabe, Jr. | August 26, 2024

We share a special bond with dogs that has evolved over thousands of years.  But it has only been in the last few years, particularly since the pandemic, since these loyal canine companions have evolved from being more than just house pets.  Our hounds have nudged, wagged, sniffed, snuggled, and loved their way into our […]

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Lawyer Bloggers Beware: “Public” Client Information Is Still Confidential

By Michael E. McCabe, Jr. | August 25, 2024

Lawyers love to talk about their client success stories and latest wins, particularly on websites, blogs, LinkedIn and other social media.  This form of lawyer self-promotion is particularly pronounced in litigation matters, where the victorious lawyers and their firms routinely, and proudly, announce to the world what wonderful result they achieved for their client. Many […]

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The USPTO’s Breach of Trust: Practitioner Response and Reporting Requirements

By Emil Ali | August 15, 2024
Data breach

The USPTO has once again disclosed confidential information of applicants—this time for patent applicants.  Previously, the USPTO has disclosed confidential information of trademark applicants, including a breach of home addresses.  However, many practitioners have wondered—what are their obligations with respect to the USPTO’s actions. Duty to Communicate with Clients When the USPTO breaches its duty […]

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Pro Se Representation Before the USPTO OED: A Risky Gamble

By Emil Ali | August 9, 2024

The USPTO’s Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED) handles investigations and disciplinary proceedings against attorneys and other practitioners who engage in misconduct before the USPTO. Navigating these complex proceedings without legal representation can be a daunting and perilous task.  We have covered previously various best practices regarding what to do if you find yourself with […]

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The “U.S. Counsel Rule” Turns Five: Best Practices For Trademark Attorneys To Avoid USPTO Discipline

By Michael E. McCabe, Jr. | July 11, 2024

This week marks five years since the USPTO implemented its Requirement of U.S. Licensed Attorney for Trademark Applicants and Registrants.  Also known as the “U.S. Counsel Rule”,  the USPTO on August 2, 2019 amended its trademark rules of practice to require any non-U.S. domiciled trademark applicant, registrant, or party to a USPTO trademark proceeding to […]

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Understanding 37 CFR 11.801: A Lesson in Not Fully Cooperating with OED

By Emil Ali | June 4, 2024

37 CFR 11.801 is a regulation that imposes a duty on practitioners to cooperate with the Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED).  The regulation is divided into two key provisions that apply to applicants for registration, and those under disciplinary/reinstatement investigation: False Statements: The regulation first proscribes making false statements of material fact.  This is […]

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AI and Patent Law: Can Machines Uphold the Duty of Disclosure under 37 CFR 1.56?

By Emil Ali | April 22, 2024
artificial intelligence

The world of intellectual property law is buzzing with questions and commentary regarding the practicality and ethics of using artificial intelligence to aid the practice of law before the USPTO.  As I addressed in a prior blog post, some of the concerns are much ado about nothing. However, one question previously left unanswered was the […]

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