It feels like the Covid-19 pandemic has affected every part of our lives, even over a year after the first cases were confirmed in the United States. We have all been forced to adapt and change with regulations while we continue to go about our lives. If you are creating a new product or growing your business, you may be curious how the pandemic has affected patent and trademark applications. If you are currently in the process of applying for intellectual property protection, you likely want to understand more about what is happening.
Adapting To Technology
Additionally, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the United States Copyright Office has closed its doors to the public in order to help stop the spread and protect employees and the general public. Fortunately, the offices are still able to assist the public via phone calls, emails, and online services and many services now no longer require face to face contact. Additionally, some requirements, such as needing handwritten signatures, have been altered to facilitate digital processing of records. These changes have allowed patents and trademarks to continue being processed.
Court Shut Downs
If you are currently waiting for your patent or trademark registration to be enforced in court, you may find yourself waiting longer than normal as the pandemic has at times caused courts to shut down while case numbers are especially high. This has created a backlog of cases for courts to see. Intellectual property cases are often further delayed as courts prioritize criminal cases in order to comply with the constitutional right to a speedy trial, meaning you may have to wait longer. These waiting periods may cause uncertainty and allow the economic and legal landscape to change, leading to unexpected results. That said, legal professionals at every level are committed to restoring normal operations as soon as possible.
Garcia-Zamor Can Help!
Do you have questions about how the pandemic may be affecting your intellectual property? Are you feeling uncertain about the process in our current times? Contact Garcia-Zamor today to get answers about your specific situation and know the best move you can make going forward. Our experienced team of attorneys will give you individualized assistance in our current health situation, whether you are attempting to apply for a patent or are pursuing litigation to protect your intellectual property.
