By Keith Medansky, Michael Geller, Ed Chatterton, Niels Mulder, Melinda Upton and Leigh Martin

While the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) remains open, on March 31, 2020, the USPTO announced certain deadlines may be eligible for an extension if a party cannot meet its obligations due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.  Specific deadlines falling between March 27, 2020 and April 30, 2020 may be extended to 30 days from the initial due date if the ultimate filing is accompanied by a statement that the delay in filing or payment was due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Acceptable reasons for a delay in filing or payment include that the trademark owner or its attorney, or another person associated with the filing, was personally affected by the virus outbreak, including, without limitation, “office closures, cash flow interruptions, inaccessibility of files or other materials, travel delays, personal or family illness, or similar circumstances, such that the outbreak materially interfered” with the filing or payment.

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Continue Reading USPTO and worldwide trademark offices react to COVID-19 – a summary of affected services and dates

By: Michael Geller

In yet another new rule change, starting February 15, 2020, the US Patent and Trademark Office will require that all applicants, registrants and TTAB parties provide an email address for the party…
Continue Reading NEW USPTO RULES REQUIRE FILERS PROVIDE AN INTERNAL EMAIL ADDRESS

By Aislinn Smalling and Carissa Bouwer

The increasing popularity of cannabis products has led to decriminalization and legalization of marijuana in many states and a proliferation of products containing CBD oil.  But marijuana remains illegal…
Continue Reading TRADEMARKING CBD PRODUCTS: NEW GUIDELINES FOR REGISTRATIONS