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DOC/PTO RIN: 0651-AD55 Publication ID: Spring 2022 
Title: Changes To Implement Provisions of the Trademark Modernization Act of 2020 
Abstract:

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) amends the rules of practice in trademark cases to implement provisions of the Trademark Modernization Act of 2020. The rule establishes ex parte expungement and reexamination proceedings for cancellation of a registration when the required use in commerce of the registered mark has not been made; provides for a new nonuse ground for cancellation before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board; establishes flexible Office action response periods; and amends the existing letter-of-protest rule to indicate that letter-of-protest determinations are final and non-reviewable. The USPTO also sets fees for petitions requesting institution of ex parte expungement and reexamination proceedings, and for requests to extend Office action response deadlines. Amendments are also for the rules concerning the suspension of USPTO proceedings and the rules governing attorney recognition in trademark matters. Finally, a new rule is to address procedures regarding court orders cancelling or affecting registrations.

 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 37 CFR 2    37 CFR 7   
Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1066    15 U.S.C. 1067    15 U.S.C. 1113    15 U.S.C. 1123    35 U.S.C. 2    Pub. L. 112-29    Pub. L. 116-260   
Legal Deadline:
Action Source Description Date
Final  Statutory    12/27/2021 
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  05/18/2021  86 FR 26862   
NPRM Comment Period End  07/19/2021 
Final Action  11/17/2021  86 FR 64300   
Final Action Effective  12/18/2021 
Final Action  08/00/2022 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes 
Agency Contact:
Catherine Cain
Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure Editor
Department of Commerce
Patent and Trademark Office
P.O. Box 1451,
Alexandria, VA 22313
Phone:571 272-8946
Fax:751 273-8946
Email: catherine.cain@uspto.gov