USPTO Launches Additional Programs for COVID-19-Related Trademark Applications

In addition to the COVID-19 Prioritized Trademark Examination Program initiated by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in June of 2020, the USPTO is now launching a Pilot Prioritized Review Program for Appeals Related to COVID-19 where the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) will expedite the review and issuance of ex parte appeal decisions for applications examined under the COVID-19 Prioritized Trademark Examination Program.

The USPTO will also launch a Conference Pilot Program for Oppositions Against Applications Related to COVID-19 where a TTAB attorney or judge may participate in the parties’ mandatory settlement and discovery planning conference, if the involved application was examined under the COVID-19 Prioritized Trademark Examination Program.

These changes are welcomed given the need to quickly get medical products and services to market in response to COVID-19.

For more information, contact a member of the Advertising, Marketing & Trademark Group.