VIRGINIA - The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced in a press release that it is postponing the implementation of the Trademark Modernization Act’s provisions for post-registration response deadlines.

The Office currently upgrading its databases, public search system, and internal examination systems to provide greater efficiencies for customers and staff. Once these updates are complete, which USPTO anticipate will be in the spring or early summer of 2024, it will announce a new effective date via a final rule in the Federal Register.

When the provisions go into effect, registrants will have three months to respond to affected post-registration office actions. They will also be able to request a single three-month extension for a fee.