USPTO to Resume In-Person PTAB Hearings

Release Time：2025-07-24 09:51Author：Views：77

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced that all Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) hearings will return to in-person format effective September 1, 2025. Under the new policy, all parties are required to attend hearings physically unless demonstrating good cause for virtual participation.

Good cause will generally be limited to circumstances such as financial hardship, medical emergencies, or other significant obstacles to in-person attendance. Approval of virtual appearance for one party does not constitute good cause for other parties in the same proceeding. Hearings will be conducted at USPTO offices nationwide, with parties permitted to request specific locations. The PTAB will endeavor to accommodate such requests.

Remote access remains available to the public for observing hearings. Requests for virtual or in-person public attendance must be submitted via email to PTABHearings@uspto.gov at least three business days prior to the hearing.

This policy concludes the temporary virtual hearing model implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For additional information, contact:

• USPTO PTAB Hearings Page: https://www.uspto.gov/ptab-hearings

• Email: PTABHearings@uspto.gov

• Phone: 571-272-9797

Source: USPTO

Previous：Guidelines for Handling Rapid Examination of Trademark Registration Applications

Next：UK Launches Consultation to Reform Standard Essential Patent Framework

Return to List