On July 2, 2019, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced a new rule requiring all foreign-domiciled trademark applicants, registrants, and parties to Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) proceedings to be represented by a United States licensed attorney.
The requirement applies to all parties whose permanent legal residence or principal place of business is outside the United States. The new rule requires all applicants, registrants, and parties to have a U.S. licensed attorney represent them at the USPTO in all trademark matters regarding trademark applications, registrations, and TTAB proceedings.
Additionally, the new rule requires U.S. licensed attorneys representing anyone before the USPTO in trademark matters to confirm they are an active member in good standing of their bar and to provide their bar membership information.
The new rule is effective starting August 3, 2019.
