By Godson Umejiego, Bureau Chief, The Americas
Beginning April 18, 2023, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is shifting towards issuing paper waste-reducing electronic patent grants (eGrants) to patent recipients—a new process that delivers the official copy of patent grants in an electronic format. We will provide a bound paper version as a ceremonial copy throughout a limited transition period, and then for a nominal fee thereafter.
“By issuing eGrants, we’re making considerable strides toward more environmentally-conscious operations at the USPTO,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, Kathi Vidal. “Providing 21st century service to our stakeholders means shifting our processes to reflect 21st century policies. The eGrant process not only minimizes paper waste, but it also benefits stakeholders by reducing pendency and streamlining the process. It’s a win-win for the agency and for our customers.”
The eGrant process significantly decreases USPTO’s printing and mailing needs, potentially reducing patent pendency, and saving the agency nearly US$2 million in annual printing and mailing costs. Further, under the new process, patent recipients will receive their electronic patent grant in PDF format on the day of issuance.
During the transition period, patent awardees will have access to the eGrant official copy in Patent Center and receive the bound paper version as a ceremonial copy. Patent recipients may still request USPTO certified copies and presentation copies from the USPTO’s certified copy center for an additional fee. Unlimited free copies of eGrants can also be printed from USPTO’s online Patent Center. The agency already provides electronic trademark registration certificates to trademark owners.
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is issuing an alert to financial institutions on the nationwide surge in check fraud schemes targeting the US Mail. Fraud, including check fraud, is the largest source of illicit proceeds in the United States and is one of the anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) National Priorities. In coordination with the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), FinCEN has identified red flags to help financial institutions detect, prevent, and report suspicious activity connected to mail theft-related check fraud.
