The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced that starting September 1, 2025, all Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) hearings will be held in-person. All parties will be expected to appear in person for hearings absent a showing of good cause.

Good cause will generally be limited to circumstances such as financial hardship, medical emergencies, or other comparable obstacles to in-person attendance. It's important to note that the approval of one party to appear virtually does not establish good cause for other parties in the same matter to also appear virtually.

Hearings will be held at one of the USPTO's offices. Parties may request a specific office location for their hearing, and the PTAB will attempt to accommodate these requests.

The public maintains the ability to remotely attend PTAB hearings. To access a hearing virtually-or in-person-submit a request to [email protected]at least three business days before the hearing. For more information, visit the PTAB hearings pageof the USPTO website, contact [email protected], or call 571-272-9797.

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