Effective September 1, 2025, the USPTO requires all PTAB oral hearings, including those for appeals, inter partes reviews (IPRs), and post-grant reviews, to be conducted in-person at a USPTO office, such as in Alexandria, VA, or regional offices in Dallas, Denver, Detroit, or San Jose. Parties may request virtual hearings only by demonstrating “good cause,” defined narrowly as financial hardship, medical emergencies, or comparable obstacles, evaluated case-by-case. This policy aims to reinstate the benefits of in-person advocacy while maintaining public access to hearings via remote viewing options.
Key takeaways:
- Attorneys must coordinate travel to USPTO offices, potentially increasing costs and requiring strategic selection of hearing locations to minimize expenses.
- Preparing for in-person presentations may enhance argument effectiveness but demands familiarity with physical hearing protocols, adding to preparation time.
- Lawyers need to draft compelling petitions for virtual hearings when applicable, navigating strict criteria, which may increase administrative workload.
This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. For personalized guidance, please contact the listed attorneys.