Who Is Being Considered For Next USPTO Director? One BigLaw Partner Whose Name Is Being Floated At Mar-A-Lago

The search for the next USPTO Director is underway, and sources indicate one notable candidate whose name is being discussed by the Trump administration is Pillsbury Winthrop long-time partner William P. Atkins.

Who Is Being Considered For Next USPTO Director? One BigLaw Partner Whose Name Is Being Floated At Mar-A-Lago Read More »

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

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

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

Patent bar

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

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’

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

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

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

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

Paws For Celebration: How Furry Coworkers Changed Office Life Forever

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

Paws For Celebration: How Furry Coworkers Changed Office Life Forever Read More »

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

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

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

Data breach

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

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

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

Scroll to Top