USPTO Proposes Trademark Rule Changes, Comments Due August 11, 2008

On June 12, 2008, the USPTO published proposed rule "Changes in Requirements for Signature of Documents, Recognition of Representatives, and Establishing and Changing the Correspondence Address in Trademark Cases." The proposed changes would revise the Trademark Rules of Practice to set forth the requirements for signature of documents filed in the Office, recognition of representatives, and establishing and changing the correspondence address in trademark cases. Comments must be received by August 11, 2008 to ensure
consideration.

On June 12, 2008, the USPTO also published a second proposed rule change package, entitled "Miscellaneous Changes to Trademark Rules of Practice," to clarify certain requirements for
applications, intent to use documents, amendments to classification, requests to divide, and Post Registration practice; to modernize the language of the rules; and to make other miscellaneous
changes. According to the notice, "For the most part, the proposed rule changes are intended to codify existing practice, as set forth in the Trademark Manual of Examining
Procedure (‘‘TMEP’’)." Comments on the second package must also be received by August 11, 2008 to ensure consideration.