USPTO ushers in new era with introduction of electronic patent grants.

Via Press Release from USPTO – February 27, 2023

WASHINGTON—Beginning April 18, 2023, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is shifting towards issuing paper waste-reducing electronic patent grants (eGrants) to patent recipients—a new process that delivers the official copy of patent grants in an electronic format. We will provide a bound paper version as a ceremonial copy throughout a limited transition period, and then for a nominal fee thereafter.  

“By issuing eGrants, we’re making considerable strides toward more environmentally-conscious operations at the USPTO,” said Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO. “Providing 21st century service to our stakeholders means shifting our processes to reflect 21st century policies. The eGrant process not only minimizes paper waste, but it also benefits stakeholders by reducing pendency and streamlining the process. It’s a win-win for the agency and for our customers.”

The eGrant process significantly decreases USPTO’s printing and mailing needs, potentially reducing patent pendency, and saving the agency nearly $2 million in annual printing and mailing costs. Further, under the new process, patent recipients will receive their electronic patent grant in PDF format on the day of issuance.

During the transition period, patent awardees will have access to the eGrant official copy in Patent Center and receive the bound paper version as a ceremonial copy. Patent recipients may still request USPTO certified copies and presentation copies from the USPTO’s certified copy center for an additional fee. Unlimited free copies of eGrants can also be printed from USPTO’s online Patent Center. The agency already provides electronic trademark registration certificates to trademark owners.

For more information, read the full Federal Register Notice or visit the eGrant webpage on the USPTO website, where you can find our eGrant FAQ document and additional information.

Stay current with the USPTO by subscribing to receive email updates. Visit our Subscription Center.

Startup Bootcamp (OneSixOne Ventures x JumpStart)

Startup Bootcamp is a 1 day workshop teaching startup founder’s everything from ideation to raising capital for your startup

STARTUP BOOTCAMP

OneSixOne Ventures has partnered with JumpStart Inc. to bring a FREE one-day workshop on how to launch your startup and raise capital. This is an extensive full day workshop that will cover the basics of being a successful founder.

When: Saturday February 18, 2023

Time:

• Bootcamp: 12:30p – 5:00p
• Networking Happy Hour: 5:00p – 6:00p

Where: Clark-Fulton Learning Center, Cleveland Public Library3545 Fulton Rd.​ Cleveland, OH 44109​

Who:

• Early stage (ideation, pre-revenue, pre-seed)
• Located in Ohio
• Diverse and underrepresented founders
• Considered “tech” within the domains of Software/IT, Advanced Manufacturing, Advanced Materials, Biomedical, Energy, or Life Sciences
• Large market opportunity (venture backable)

Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/536350016337

Beware of spoofed calls that impersonate the USPTO.

Press release from USPTO today:

Scammers have recently started calling trademark customers and falsely claiming to be an employee with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The scammers use a tactic called “spoofing,” where they will trick phone networks into displaying a name, number, and location different from their actual name, number, and location. They’re trying to trick you into believing you’re talking to the USPTO, so they can steal money or personal information from you. 

If you receive a call from someone you suspect is a scammer, do not give them any personal identifying or payment information. The USPTO will never ask for your personal or payment information over the phone.

If you suspect that you have received a spoofed call:

• Contact the Trademark Assistance Center (TAC) to verify the call was from a USPTO employee and for assistance on what to do next.  
• If you have the number that called you, please give it to the TAC representative who answers your call.   
• Check the Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR) system to see official communications we’ve sent you about your trademark submission. (You can view the documents we’ve sent by entering your application or registration number in TSDR and selecting the “Documents” tab).  

Learn more about what to do if you’ve been scammed and how you can protect yourself.