PTOProposed Rule
Required Use by Foreign Applicants and Patent Owners of a Patent Practitioner
TechnologyLabor & Workplace
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Summary
The U.S. Patent Office is proposing a new rule that would require foreign companies and individuals applying for patents to hire a U.S.-based patent lawyer or agent to represent them. This rule aims to ensure that the Patent Office can properly communicate with patent applicants and enforce U.S. patent laws.
Key Points
- 1Foreign patent applicants would be required to hire a registered U.S. patent practitioner (lawyer or agent) to handle their patent applications instead of representing themselves
- 2This rule applies to people and companies located outside the United States who want to patent their inventions in America
- 3The requirement helps the Patent Office communicate more effectively and ensures applicants understand their legal obligations and deadlines
- 4The public comment period runs from December 29, 2025 to January 29, 2026, allowing businesses and individuals to share their views before the rule becomes final
- 5Foreign applicants who don't follow this rule could face rejection of their patent applications or legal complications with their patents
Key Dates
Published
December 29, 2025
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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