Womble Perspectives

Starting January 18, 2025, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is implementing significant changes to its trademark fee schedule. These updates are part of the USPTO's ongoing efforts to make the application process more efficient while encouraging applicants to submit complete and streamlined filings.

For trademark attorneys, this is a pivotal moment to familiarize themselves with the new pricing structure and anticipate how these changes will affect their clients.

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New Year, New Fee Schedule for Trademarks at the USPTO – Big Changes to Application Fees

About the authors
Sara M. Bauer
Lori B. Cohen

Patents are the lifeblood of innovation, granting inventors exclusive rights to their creations while encouraging progress across industries. One key aspect that often decides a patent's fate is proof of nonobviousness—showing that an invention goes beyond what a skilled person in the field might expect based on prior knowledge. Within this realm, "unexpected results" stand as a particularly compelling argument. They can tip the balance between a valid patent and an obvious invention.

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Unexpected Results in Hatch Waxman Litigation: A Review of Legal Decisions from 2023

About the author
Ben Bourke

The U.S Patent and Trademark Office recently announced its finalized 2025 fee schedule, set to take effect on January 19, 2025. This shift introduces significant changes, including general fee increases, new surcharges, and additional costs for certain types of applications. For patent attorneys and their clients, these updates demand close attention to ensure effective intellectual property budget planning and filing strategies.

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U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Sets 2025 Fee Schedule

About the authors
Hailey R. Bureau, Ph.D.
Jason M. Rockman

Data privacy has evolved from being an IT afterthought to a business-critical priority. With consumers demanding greater control over their personal information, U.S. states continue to step up with new legislation—making 2025 a landmark year. Eight new state privacy laws are going into effect, joining existing frameworks like California’s CPRA. For businesses, 2025 brings both legal challenges and an opportunity to enhance trust and transparency.

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…But Wait, There’s More!

About the authors
Kyle G. Kessler, CIPP/E
Christine Xiao, CIPP/US
Tyler Connor, CIPP/US

The Inflation Reduction Act, also referred to as the IRA, has been a pivotal achievement within the Biden Administration. Enacted through the Budget Reconciliation process, the IRA encapsulates three main Democratic objectives—climate and clean energy investment, healthcare price regulation, and tax restructuring. With the 2024 Presidential Election looming, the fate of the IRA is uncertain, particularly with Republicans eyeing a potential repeal.

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Can Republicans Repeal the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)?

About the authors
Kristina M. Moore*
Patrice Z. Howard, Ph.D.

The Corporate Transparency Act is set to reshape the way businesses in the United States operate, emphasizing accountability and transparency in corporate governance. With an effective date of January 1, 2024, this regulatory framework requires certain businesses to disclose vital information about their ownership. But what does the CTA mean for your business, and how can you ensure compliance?

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Corporate Transparency Act: Reporting Deadlines and What You Need to Know to Comply

About the authors
Alexandria P. Murphy
Alexander Hill
Chukwukpee Nzegwu
Joe D. Whitley

In an era where energy reliability and sustainability are more critical than ever, the ADVANCE Act aims to propel the United States into a new age of nuclear innovation. 

The ADVANCE Act stands for Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy. Signed into law by President Biden, this pivotal piece of legislation seeks to expedite the deployment of advanced nuclear reactor technologies. With strong bipartisan support, the ADVANCE Act signifies a unified commitment to leveraging nuclear energy for a sustainable future.

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Read the update.

About the authors:
Lisa Rushton
Jeffrey S. Whittle
Belton T. Zeigler

In recent years, the commercial office market has faced unprecedented challenges. With office valuations plummeting, high interest rates, and soaring vacancy levels, landlords are struggling more than ever. For tenants, this volatile environment underscores the importance of due diligence before signing new leases. Whether you're entering a new agreement or extending an existing one, understanding your landlord's financial stability and operational capacity can save you from future headaches.

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About the author
Pamela V. Rothenberg

Trademark law sits at the heart of brand identity, often acting as a powerful shield for organizations looking to protect their logos, names, and likenesses from unauthorized use. For universities and sports teams, this becomes especially critical. Their logos and names carry immense cultural and economic value, forming a significant part of their brand identity and even their financial lifeline.

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Jury Sides with Penn State in Vintage Trademark Case

About the author
Sara M. Bauer

With the advancement in modern medicine, people are living longer than ever. In fact, the average life expectancy has largely risen over the last 40 years, and is predicted to rise to 85 by the year 2060. But the real question is, why do we age? And, is there a way to reverse it?

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About the author:
Matt Quinn, Ph.D.