The USPTO appears poised to finalize a significant revision to Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) practice. A final rule titled Revision to Rules of Practice Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (90 FR 48335) is currently undergoing Executive Order 12866 review (RIN: 0651-AD89), indicating that agency review has been completed and the rule is nearing publication.
Read MoreIn an Official Gazette notice dated 1 April 2026, the USPTO announced a new procedure allowing patent owners to submit a limited “pre order” paper addressing whether a third party ex parte reexamination request raises a Substantial New Question (SNQ) of patentability under 35 U.S.C. § 303(a).
Read MoreThe United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has proposed significant changes to the rules governing Inter Partes Review (IPR) proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). These revisions aim to enhance fairness, efficiency, and predictability in patent disputes, while curbing duplicative and costly litigation. Notably, these changes do not apply to Post-Grant Review (proceedings that must be filed within nine months of the patent issue date).
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