Innovation & intellectual property · 10/12/2008

USPTO Publishes Final Rule on BPAI Practice and Appeal Process

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has published a final rule amending the rules governing practice before the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences (BPAI) in ex parte patent appeals. The new rule, effective December 10, 2008, applies to all appeals filed on or after that date, and requires the submission of information to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA).