Sunstein Insights Shape Created with Sketch.

Back to Sunstein News

COVID-19 Update

Sunstein LLP is following the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in order to protect the health of our employees, clients, and community and help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Our employees are working from home and continuing to provide services to all of our clients. Working virtually is seamless for everyone at Sunstein LLP since our firm converted to completely paperless operations 12 years ago.

No matter what the coming weeks hold, we expect all work on behalf of clients to proceed as planned, and we do not anticipate any disruption.

Although the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office physically closed to the public on March 16, 2020, we continue to conduct business on schedule with the USPTO’s full-service online filing systems without delays.

The USPTO recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has imposed significant hardships on many applicants. As businesses begin to reopen or resume operations, some applicants will continue to require relief, particularly small businesses and individuals. Under the CARES Act authority and its existing authority, the USPTO has implemented the following:

Patent Fee Extensions available through July 31, 2020:

The USPTO has waived the fee for filing a petition for the revival of applications that became abandoned, if accompanied by a statement that the delay in filing or payment was due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Such petitions must be filed by July 31, 2020, to be eligible for the petition fee waiver.

Patent Fee Extensions available through September 30, 2020:

On June 29, 2020, the USPTO further extended the time for small and micro entities to pay certain patent-related fees that would otherwise have been due on or after March 27, 2020. Specifically, applicants entitled to small and micro entity fees, can defer payment of basic filing fees, issue fees, maintenance fees, and certain other fees until September 30, 2020. Other extensions of time and other relief remain available to those who need it on a case-by-case basis.

Trademark Relief:

Although the official extension period for trademark filings expired on May 31, 2020, the USPTO will continue to waive the petition fee for petitions to revive applications or reinstate registrations that became abandoned, expired or cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, with a statement that the delay in filing or payment was due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The USPTO will continue to evaluate the evolving situation around the COVID-19 outbreak but does not anticipate any further blanket extensions.

We are committed to being a resource to our clients to help achieve your business goals. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or if there is any way we can assist you.

We use cookies to improve your site experience, distinguish you from other users and support the marketing of our services. These cookies may store your personal information. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device. For more information, please visit our Privacy Notice.

Subscribe to our Newsletters

Subscribe to: