Changes to Representation of Others Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, 28442-28467 [2021-10528]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• Patent and Trademark Office

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 100 (Wednesday, May 26, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28442-28467]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-10528]



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Vol. 86

Wednesday,

No. 100

May 26, 2021

Part II





Department of Commerce





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Patent and Trademark Office





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37 CFR Parts 1 and 11





Changes to Representation of Others Before the United States Patent and 
Trademark Office; Final Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 86 , No. 100 / Wednesday, May 26, 2021 / 
Rules and Regulations

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

 Patent and Trademark Office

37 CFR Parts 1 and 11

[Docket No.: PTO-C-2013-0042]
RIN 0651-AC91


Changes to Representation of Others Before the United States 
Patent and Trademark Office

AGENCY: United States Patent and Trademark Office, Commerce.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or 
Office) amends the Rules of Practice in Patent Cases and the rules 
regarding Representation of Others before the United States Patent and 
Trademark Office. This rulemaking aligns the USPTO Rules of 
Professional Conduct more closely with the American Bar Association 
(ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct. It also improves clarity in 
existing regulations to facilitate the public's compliance, including 
revising various deadlines, the procedures concerning the registration 
exam, provisions related to the revocation of an individual's 
registration or limited recognition in limited circumstances, and 
provisions for reinstatement. It makes non-substantive changes to 
improve the readability of various provisions as well.

DATES: This rule is effective June 25, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William R. Covey, Deputy General 
Counsel for Enrollment and Discipline and Director of the Office of 
Enrollment and Discipline, at 571-272-4097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Purpose

    35 U.S.C. 2(b)(2)(D) provides the USPTO with the authority to 
``establish regulations, not inconsistent with law, which . . . may 
govern the recognition and conduct of agents, attorneys, or other 
persons representing applicants or other parties before the Office.'' 
37 CFR part 11 contains those regulations that govern the 
representation of others before the USPTO, including regulations 
relating to the recognition to practice before the USPTO, 
investigations and disciplinary proceedings, and the USPTO Rules of 
Professional Conduct. 37 CFR part 1 addresses the rules of practice in 
patent cases, and most relevantly fees in patent matters. This notice 
sets forth amendments to parts 1 and 11 as discussed herein.

Discussion of Rule Changes

    On April 3, 2013, the Office published a final rule that 
established the USPTO Rules of Professional Conduct, 37 CFR 11.101 et 
seq. The USPTO Rules of Professional Conduct are modeled after the ABA 
Model Rules of Professional Conduct. The USPTO Rules of Professional 
Conduct have not been substantively updated since 2013.

Harmonization With the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct

    With this rule, the USPTO is amending the USPTO Rules of 
Professional Conduct to align them with widely adopted revisions to the 
ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. 37 CFR 11.106(b) is amended to 
allow a practitioner to reveal information relating to the 
representation of a client in certain circumstances for the purpose of 
detecting and resolving conflicts of interest arising from the 
practitioner's change of employment or changes in the composition or 
ownership of a law firm. Section 11.106(d) is amended to require a 
practitioner to make reasonable efforts to prevent the inadvertent or 
unauthorized disclosure of, or unauthorized access to, information 
relating to the representation of a client. Section 11.118 is amended 
to clarify that a practitioner may not use information learned from a 
prospective client except as otherwise provided, regardless of whether 
the information was learned in a discussion. Section 11.702 is amended 
to allow practitioners to post contact information such as a website or 
email address instead of an office address on marketing materials. 
Finally, Sec.  11.703 is amended to clarify that the limitations on 
solicitation apply to any person, without regard to whether the 
practitioner considers the targets of the solicitation to actually be 
prospective clients.

Simplification and Clarification of Rules and Processes

    The USPTO is also amending its regulations to facilitate compliance 
by the public. As discussed in greater detail in the section titled 
``Discussion of Specific Changes in This Rule,'' the amendments to 
Sec. Sec.  11.7, 11.9, 11.11, 11.19, 11.51, 11.52, 11.53, 11.54, 11.55, 
11.58, and 11.60 are designed to enhance the clarity of these sections. 
Also, the reinstatement provisions in Sec. Sec.  11.9(f) and 11.11(f) 
have been realigned for registered practitioners and practitioners 
granted limited recognition under Sec.  11.9(b). The periods of time in 
these sections are either the same as or greater than the applicable 
periods previously provided under this part. As such, the new time 
periods apply without regard to whether the relevant period had started 
to run before or after the effective date of this rule.
    In addition, the regulations have been amended to add provisions 
addressing the revocation of registration or limited recognition. 
Specifically, the USPTO has created a process in Sec.  11.11(g) by 
which an individual's registration or limited recognition may be 
revoked in limited circumstances.
    Finally, the rule improves the registration examination and 
application process. Applicants for the registration examination now 
have the opportunity to obtain an extension of time in which to 
schedule and take the examination. Prior to implementation of this 
rule, applicants were required to submit a new application if they were 
unable to schedule the examination within the 90-day scheduling window. 
Now, they may simply pay a fee of $115 to obtain an extension. This new 
fee is implemented by revisions to Sec. Sec.  1.21(a)(1), 11.7(b), and 
11.9(e). This is expected to streamline the process and reduce expense 
to applicants while also conserving agency resources.

Other Minor Changes

    Minor edits, discussed below, are made throughout the regulations. 
These include increasing structural parallelism between similar 
provisions, such as Sec. Sec.  11.24 and 11.29; harmonizing the post-
employment restrictions in Sec.  11.10 with those in 18 U.S.C. 207; and 
increasing the readability of provisions throughout, including 
Sec. Sec.  11.7 and 11.9. They also include making corrections to 
spelling, grammar, and cross-references; harmonizing terminology; 
correcting syntax formats to comport with the Federal Register Document 
Drafting Handbook; and reorganizing paragraph structure. In sum, these 
amendments have been designed to benefit practitioners by clarifying 
and streamlining professional responsibility, obligations, and 
procedures.

Proposed Rule: Comments and Responses

    The USPTO published a proposed rule on July 30, 2020, at 85 FR 
45812, soliciting comments on the proposed amendments to 37 CFR parts 1 
and 11. The USPTO received comments from two intellectual property 
organizations and four individual commenters representing law firms and 
individuals. These comments are publicly available at the Federal 
eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov.
    The Office received comments both generally supporting and 
objecting to

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the revisions to the rules of practice. A majority of the commenters 
supported the rule but expressed concerns with specific revisions. A 
summary of the comments and the USPTO's responses are provided below.
    Comment 1. One commenter urged the USPTO to end all uses of ``hand 
signatures.''
    Response 1. The USPTO appreciates this suggestion and the public 
recognition of the steps already taken by the USPTO to respond to the 
extraordinary situation of the COVID-19 outbreak. See 85 FR 17502 (Mar. 
30, 2020). The USPTO has published a separate rulemaking that proposes 
to eliminate the ``original handwritten signature personally signed in 
permanent dark ink'' requirement for certain documents set forth in 37 
CFR 1.4(e)(1). See 84 FR 64800 (Nov. 25, 2019). A final rule that 
implements those revisions has been under consideration.
    Comment 2. Three commenters expressed support for the USPTO's 
proposal to implement a mechanism for requesting an extension of time 
in which to schedule an examination but urged the USPTO not to impose a 
fee for the first use of this service by each applicant. They argued 
that it was not appropriate to charge a fee. Moreover, they asserted 
that the fee is not commensurate with the actual cost to the Office of 
processing the request for extension.
    Response 2. The USPTO currently grants applicants a window of at 
least 90 days in which to schedule the registration exam with the 
testing service, which should be sufficient. Accordingly, there 
previously was no provision that expressly allowed extension requests 
to be made. Instead, applicants who were not able to schedule the 
registration exam within the granted window were required to reapply 
and incur the application-related fees again. Nonetheless, this final 
rule expressly permits such an extension. We disagree with the comment 
that the fee is not commensurate with the actual cost. The extension 
process requires coordination with an outside vendor and includes a 
number of other administrative steps that carry a cost burden.
    Comment 3. Two commenters urged the USPTO to revise its definition 
of ``practitioner'' in Sec.  11.1. They asserted that the definition 
causes most foreign attorneys to be classified as ``non-
practitioners,'' and thus practitioners who form partnerships with 
foreign attorneys and firms could be deemed to violate the prohibitions 
in Sec.  11.504 against partnering or sharing fees with non-
practitioners: ``The USPTO's current definition of `practitioner' as 
excluding foreign lawyers causes the significant (and presumably 
unintended) consequence of thousands of practitioners potentially 
violating numerous USPTO Rules [of Professional Conduct] simply by 
virtue of the fact that they are part of a law firm (or in-house 
corporate legal department) that includes both U.S. and foreign 
lawyers.'' The commenters provided a citation to Forming Partnerships 
with Foreign Lawyers, ABA Formal Op. 01-423 (2001).
    Response 3. This input is appreciated, but the commenters' 
suggestion for a further revision to the definition of ``practitioner'' 
is outside the scope of this rulemaking. However, the USPTO notes that 
this suggestion is generally consistent with the Office of Enrollment 
and Discipline's (OED) historical application of the USPTO Rules of 
Professional Conduct. OED recognizes that registered patent lawyers may 
form partnerships or other entities to practice law in which foreign 
lawyers are partners or owners, provided the foreign lawyers are 
members of a recognized legal profession in the jurisdiction in which 
they are licensed and the arrangement complies with the law of 
jurisdictions where the firm practices.
    Comment 4. Three commenters urged the USPTO not to adopt the 
proposed Sec.  11.19(e), which clarifies that the OED Director has 
discretion to choose any of the independent grounds of discipline under 
paragraph (b), where appropriate. The commenters characterized the 
proposed amendment as giving the OED Director ``unfettered discretion'' 
to choose whether to follow the reciprocal discipline process in Sec.  
11.24 or the ordinary disciplinary process of Sec.  11.32. Two of these 
commenters also advocated for a policy that would require the USPTO to 
seek only identical or ``less severe'' reciprocal discipline in all 
cases in which a practitioner has been disciplined by another 
jurisdiction.
    Response 4. The OED Director possesses the discretion to select a 
course of action under subpart C of part 11 appropriate to protect the 
public and maintain the integrity of the legal profession. Section 
11.19(e) provides additional clarity to practitioners regarding the OED 
Director's mandate to protect the public and maintain the integrity of 
the legal profession. In the interests of fairness and efficiency, the 
USPTO generally pursues reciprocal discipline in response to public 
discipline of a practitioner by another jurisdiction. The efficiencies 
of adopting the findings of fact and pursuing the discipline imposed by 
another jurisdiction are apparent. However, there have been rare 
instances in which circumstances have made it inadvisable to pursue 
identical reciprocal discipline. One example would be when the OED 
Director learns that a practitioner has been disciplined by another 
jurisdiction while subsequently learning of additional information of 
misconduct unknown to the other jurisdiction. In such a case, the 
interests of justice, efficiency, and protection of the public may call 
for the USPTO to pursue a Sec.  11.32 proceeding to consolidate into a 
single proceeding the other jurisdiction's public discipline, as well 
as the additional information known by the OED Director. Conversely, 
there may be instances in which identical reciprocal discipline would 
be inappropriate. The ABA has noted that the ``imposition of discipline 
or disability inactive status in one jurisdiction does not mean that 
every other jurisdiction in which the lawyer is admitted must 
necessarily impose discipline or disability inactive status.'' Comment 
to Rule 22, ABA Model Rules for Disciplinary Enforcement (July 16, 
2020). An example might be when diversion would be appropriate under 
the USPTO's Diversion Pilot Program but diversion is unavailable under 
the jurisdiction that imposed the original discipline. The OED Director 
has always sought to exercise discretion in a manner that protects the 
public while treating practitioners fairly. For example, the OED 
Director already exercises the same discretion in reviewing petitions 
for reinstatement under Sec.  11.60. While Sec.  11.60 continues to 
authorize the OED Director in every case to require a petitioner to 
pass the registration examination (even if the petitioner was not a 
registered practitioner), the OED Director has been judicious in 
limiting the exercise of this authority to matters in which there is a 
relationship between the underlying conduct (or conduct since the 
underlying proceeding) and the requirement to pass the registration 
examination, such as a lack of competent representation in patent 
matters or a lapse in practice in patent matters. As such, the concern 
regarding the grant of discretion to the OED Director in Sec.  11.19(e) 
to ``choose any of the independent grounds of discipline under 
paragraph (b) of this section and to pursue any of the procedures set 
forth in this subpart in every disciplinary proceeding'' does not 
appear to be borne out by experience.
    Comment 5. One commenter suggested that explicit discretion be

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added to close an investigation or proceeding under Sec. Sec.  11.24, 
11.25, 11.27, and 11.29 by settlement or a warning.
    Response 5. The USPTO agrees that retaining the flexibility to 
close a case with a warning or through settlement is advisable. Section 
11.19(e) already addresses this recommendation by clarifying that the 
``OED Director has the discretion . . . to pursue any of the procedures 
set forth in this subpart in every disciplinary proceeding,'' 
indicating that the OED Director retains flexibility to issue a warning 
under Sec.  11.21, pursue settlement under Sec.  11.26, transfer to 
disability inactive status under Sec.  11.29, permit diversion under 
the OED Diversion Pilot Program, or otherwise close an investigation 
under Sec.  11.22(i). Moreover, Sec. Sec.  11.24, 11.25, and 11.29 
further clarify the OED Director's discretion in this regard.
    Comment 6. One commenter stated that the proposed Sec.  11.22(c) 
would have required reporting certain events that were already required 
to be reported in Sec. Sec.  11.24(a), 11.25(a), and 11.29(a)(1). To 
avoid redundancy, the commenter suggested removing the first sentence 
of proposed Sec.  11.22(c) and amending ``Upon receiving such 
notification'' from the second sentence to ``Upon receiving the 
notification required by Sec.  11.24(a), Sec.  11.25(a), or Sec.  
11.29(a)(1).''
    Response 6. The USPTO adopts this suggestion with slight 
modification to reference all of Sec.  11.29(a).
    Comment 7. One commenter asserted that Sec. Sec.  11.24, 11.25, 
11.27, and 11.29 do not provide notice to a practitioner of the 
discretion referenced in Sec.  11.19(e).
    Response 7. The discretionary language in the rule provides 
appropriate notice. The proposed text already included discretionary 
language in Sec. Sec.  11.24, 11.25, 11.27, and 11.29.
    Comment 8. One commenter suggested that Sec. Sec.  11.24, 11.25, 
11.29, and 11.55 be further revised to expressly permit motions to 
extend the time to file for good cause.
    Response 8. The USPTO declines to adopt this suggestion. Current 
practice permitting motions to extend the time to file responses for 
good cause will not be affected by this rule. The final rule does not 
foreclose petitions to suspend or waive non-statutory deadlines in an 
extraordinary situation, when justice requires, by the USPTO Director 
pursuant to Sec.  11.3.
    Comment 9. One commenter applauded the USPTO's efforts to amend 
Sec.  11.25(a) to reduce reporting burdens. However, two commenters 
found fault with the USPTO's efforts to both reduce reporting 
requirements for minor traffic offenses in Sec.  11.25(a) and ensure 
that reporting requirements were uniform for similarly situated 
practitioners. The commenters appeared to argue that the $300 threshold 
under which reporting would not be required was arbitrary and would 
have led to a disparate impact for practitioners in jurisdictions where 
fines are especially high.
    Response 9. The USPTO adopts Sec.  11.25(a) as proposed and 
declines to further revise the final rule. Because this amendment 
strictly reduces reporting obligations and imposes no additional 
burdens of any sort, the USPTO believes the latter comments to be 
unfounded. As amended, the provision eliminates the requirement to 
report convictions of all crimes except those not involving the use of 
alcohol or a controlled substance, not resulting in a fine in excess of 
$300, and not resulting in the imposition of any other punishment. The 
USPTO is aware of only one state that classifies all traffic offenses 
as misdemeanors or felonies. Prior to this amendment, practitioners 
convicted of any traffic offense in that state were required to report 
such criminal convictions to the OED Director under Sec.  11.25(a). As 
revised, Sec.  11.25(a) now provides a basis for conscientious 
practitioners in every state to rest assured that they have complied 
with USPTO reporting requirements, sets a uniform standard that uses 
USPTO and practitioner resources efficiently, and ensures that the 
public is still protected from practitioners who disregard the law.
    Comment 10. Three commenters suggested that the second sentence of 
Sec.  11.26 be stricken. This sentence said, ``Evidence shall not be 
excludable on the grounds that such evidence was presented or discussed 
in a settlement conference.'' The commenters argued that this revision 
would create a disincentive to enter into settlement negotiations with 
the OED Director. They argued that a practitioner would have ``no 
motivation to cooperate in settlement negotiations in which his or her 
statements could be admitted against him or her.''
    Response 10. The USPTO is withdrawing this proposed revision to 
Sec.  11.26 as unnecessary. However, the USPTO disagrees with the 
commenters' characterization, which appeared to misconstrue the 
distinction between ``evidence'' and ``offers of compromise and any 
statements about settlement.'' The purpose of the proposed revision was 
to provide clearer language to practitioners to reduce attempts to 
shield or ``immunize'' otherwise admissible evidence merely by 
presenting or discussing such evidence at a settlement conference. It 
remains true that otherwise admissible evidence cannot be excluded in a 
USPTO disciplinary proceeding on the grounds that such evidence was 
presented or discussed in a settlement conference. The proposed rule 
continued to assure a practitioner engaged in settlement discussions 
with the USPTO that any offers of compromise and any statements about 
settlement made during the course of the settlement conference would 
not be admissible in a disciplinary proceeding--a provision that was 
previously in the rule and still remains.
    Comment 11. Two commenters objected to the proposed amendments to 
Sec.  11.27 pertaining to exclusion on consent. The commenters 
contended that a practitioner's request for exclusion in lieu of a 
disciplinary proceeding must be granted. Under this view, the 
commenters faulted the amendment for allegedly injecting discretion 
into the process. The commenters asserted that this would be contrary 
to that of the majority of jurisdictions in the United States and 
pointed to the example of Rule 21 of the ABA Model Rules for 
Disciplinary Enforcement.
    Response 11. The previous version of Sec.  11.27 never required the 
USPTO Director to approve every affidavit in support of exclusion on 
consent. Unchanged by this final rule is the provision in Sec.  
11.27(a)(2) that requires the affidavit's statement of the allegations 
of misconduct to be set forth ``to the satisfaction of the OED 
Director.'' Also unchanged is the provision in Sec.  11.27(b) that 
provides for the USPTO Director's ``review and approval.'' Furthermore, 
Rule 21 of the ABA Model Rules for Disciplinary Enforcement, which the 
comments referenced, specifically contemplates instances in which 
stipulated discipline may not be approved.
    Comment 12. One commenter expressed concern about a potential 
discrepancy between Sec. Sec.  11.36(c) and 11.49. Section 11.36 refers 
to a special matter of defense while Sec.  11.49 refers to an 
affirmative defense. The commenter stated that a special matter of 
defense is not necessarily coextensive or synonymous with an 
affirmative defense.
    Response 12. While it may be true that ``[a] `special matter of 
defense' is not necessarily coextensive or synonymous with an 
`affirmative defense,''' the USPTO does not perceive these provisions 
to be in conflict.
    Comment 13. One commenter expressed support for the proposed 
amendments to Sec.  11.52 to clarify the scope of discovery and 
regarding expert witnesses, which were described as

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``track[ing] the Fed. R. Civ. P. requirements and should thus be 
familiar to many practitioners.'' Another commenter suggested that the 
proposed Sec.  11.52 be further revised to specify express limits on 
written discovery and, in particular, suggested limiting admissions, 
interrogatories, and documents to be produced to no more than 10 or 15, 
including all discrete subparts.
    Response 13. The USPTO declines to further revise Sec.  11.52 as 
suggested by the commenter. Under both this rule and the previous 
version of Sec.  11.52, a hearing officer must determine whether any 
proposed discovery is reasonable and relevant. Once this test is met, 
the hearing officer must limit discovery to that which is reasonable. 
Because the reasonableness of discovery will depend on the facts and 
circumstances of the case at hand, the Office believes it would be 
inadvisable to restrict the hearing officer's ability to preside over 
the case by reducing the flexibility in limiting discovery.
    Comment 14. Two commenters expressed general approval for the 
proposed revisions to Sec.  11.58 but suggested that Sec.  11.58(c)(5) 
be further amended to remove the requirement to serve notices by 
``certified mail, return receipt requested,'' asserting concerns as to 
both cost and practicality. The commenters argued that because the 
nature of virtual practice results in regular changes of physical 
address, email would be the most appropriate means of ensuring that 
clients receive notices of discipline.
    Response 14. The USPTO declines to adopt this suggestion. Signed 
physical certificates of delivery remain the best evidence of the 
delivery of the notices required by the rule under typical 
circumstances. That being said, nothing prevents the use of email to 
provide additional notice in appropriate circumstances.
    Comment 15. One commenter suggested that the OED Director be 
required ``to publish all cases, including those with adverse decisions 
against the USPTO (i.e., dismissals)'' and that ``the USPTO make file 
histories regarding published Final Orders [sic] available for public 
inspection, without charge.''
    Response 15. This comment raises an issue that is outside the scope 
of this rulemaking, and thus the USPTO declines to adopt this 
recommendation at this time. The USPTO is bound by the Privacy Act of 
1974, which provides that ``[n]o agency shall disclose any record which 
is contained in a system of records by any means of communication to 
any person, or to another agency, except pursuant to a written request 
by, or with the prior written consent of, the individual to whom the 
record pertains [subject to 12 exceptions not relevant here].'' 5 
U.S.C. 552a(b).
    Comment 16. Two commenters suggested that the USPTO incorporate in 
its regulations the ``Comments'' to the ABA Model Rules. The ABA 
Comments ``are intended as guides to interpretation, but the text of 
each Rule is authoritative.'' ABA Model Rules, Preamble at Comment 21. 
The commenters asserted that doing so would help patent agents comply 
with the USPTO Rules of Professional Conduct because, as they asserted, 
patent agents are unfamiliar with the nature of their ethical 
obligations under the USPTO Rules of Professional Conduct. One 
commenter further suggested that the Comments to ABA Model Rule 1.1 be 
adopted for Sec.  11.101.
    Response 16. These comments raise issues that are outside the scope 
of this rulemaking, and thus the USPTO declines to adopt this 
suggestion at this time. The USPTO reminds practitioners that, among 
other sources, ``[a] practitioner also may refer to the Comments and 
Annotations to the ABA Model Rules, as amended through August 2012, for 
useful information as to how to interpret the equivalent USPTO Rules.'' 
78 FR 20180.
    Comment 17. One commenter urged the USPTO to revise the 
registration examination to include a ``requirement that any non-
attorney applicant for registration be able to demonstrate to the 
satisfaction of the OED Director at lease [sic] some level of 
proficiency in the USPTO's Rules of Professional Conduct.''
    Response 17. This comment raises an issue that is outside the scope 
of this rulemaking, and thus the USPTO declines to adopt this 
recommendation at this time. The content of the registration 
examination already includes questions regarding the USPTO Rules of 
Professional Conduct. Moreover, all individuals who practice before the 
Office are expected to be familiar with, and abide by, all applicable 
rules, to include the USPTO Rules of Professional Conduct.
    Comment 18. One commenter suggested that the USPTO require patent 
agents and practitioners granted limited recognition, but not patent 
attorneys, to make an additional objective demonstration of their grasp 
of professional ethics beyond the registration exam, such as 
successional completion of the Multistate Professional Responsibility 
Examination or an ethics course through a law school. This commenter 
also suggested that the USPTO impose mandatory continuing legal 
education (CLE) requirements on patent practitioners, which would be 
considered to be satisfied by patent attorneys already meeting another 
jurisdiction's mandatory CLE requirement.
    Response 18. This comment raises an issue that is outside the scope 
of this rulemaking, and thus the USPTO declines to adopt these 
recommendations at this time. Moreover, it is noted that the USPTO 
recently revised Sec.  11.11(a) to provide a mechanism for patent 
practitioners to be recognized for CLE, including ethics instruction, 
that they have taken. See 85 FR 46932, 46992 (Aug. 3, 2020). See also 
85 FR 64128 (Oct. 9, 2020) (notice of proposed CLE guidelines).
    Comment 19. One commenter expressed support for the proposed 
amendment to Sec.  11.106(b) allowing a practitioner to disclose 
information for the purpose of detecting and resolving conflicts of 
interest. Another commenter suggested further revising proposed Sec.  
11.106 to clarify the interaction with the duty of disclosure under 
Sec.  1.56.
    Response 19. The comments raise issues that are outside the scope 
of this rulemaking, and thus the USPTO declines to adopt these 
suggestions at this time.
    Comment 20. Three commenters suggested that the USPTO revise 
Sec. Sec.  11.701, 11.702, and 11.703 to conform with the 2018 
amendments to the ABA Model Rules.
    Response 20. As an initial matter, the USPTO appreciates the 
opportunity to clarify that it is revising Sec. Sec.  11.702 and 11.703 
to align with the 2018, not the 2012, amendments to ABA Model Rules 7.2 
and 7.3. As to ABA Model Rule 7.1, the 2018 amendments revised only the 
comments to the rule, not the text of the rule itself. As such, this 
rulemaking revises only Sec. Sec.  11.702 and 11.703. Thus, upon 
conclusion of this rulemaking, Sec. Sec.  11.701, 11.702, and 11.703 
will conform to the text of Model Rules 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3 after the 
2018 ABA amendments.
    Comment 21. Three commenters urged the USPTO to eliminate 
Sec. Sec.  11.704 and 11.705 on the grounds that the 2018 amendments to 
the ABA Model Rules struck the parallel Model Rules 7.4 and 7.5.
    Response 21. The USPTO declines to adopt this suggestion at this 
time. Many of the provisions of these rules were added to the Comments 
to other ABA Model Rules. For example, restrictions formerly found in 
ABA Model Rule 7.4 have been moved to the Comments of ABA Model Rule 
7.2. Because the USPTO has declined to adopt the

[[Page 28446]]

Comments to the ABA Model Rules for the reasons set forth above, it is 
appropriate that Sec. Sec.  11.704 and 11.705 remain in force at this 
time.
    Comment 22. One commenter urged the USPTO to ``make its pilot 
program for disciplinary diversion a permanent part of the USPTO's 
rules in subpart [sic] 11.''
    Response 22. This comment raises an issue that is outside the scope 
of this rulemaking, and thus the USPTO declines to adopt this 
suggestion at this time. However, on November 15, 2019, the OED 
Diversion Pilot Program was extended for a three-year term (until 
November 15, 2022). Extension of the pilot diversion program will 
enable the USPTO to gather additional information necessary to evaluate 
the diversion criteria and processes currently used to inform a 
determination of whether the diversion program should be made 
permanent. The USPTO also notes that this rule, by revising Sec.  
11.22(h), clarifies that the OED Director may resolve a disciplinary 
investigation in a manner that does not exclude diversion.

Changes From Proposed Rule

    As discussed in more detail below, the following sections contain 
changes from the proposed rule:
    Section 11.10 is modified to bring the undertaking in line with the 
remaining provisions of the section.
    Section 11.11 is updated to reflect intervening changes to 
administrative suspension, inactivation, resignation, reinstatement, 
and revocation in another rulemaking. See 85 FR 46932 (Aug. 3, 2020).
    Section 11.22(c) is changed to reflect improved phrasing as 
suggested by a public comment. See Comment and Response 6, above.
    The previously proposed changes to Sec.  11.26 are not included in 
this final rule. See Comment and Response 10, above.

Discussion of Specific Changes in This Rule

    This rule eliminates the fee in Sec.  1.21(a)(1)(ii)(B) for taking 
the registration examination at the USPTO's offices in Alexandria, 
Virginia. The USPTO no longer administers the paper-based examination 
in its offices. The computer-based examination will continue to be 
offered at thousands of testing centers across the United States.
    Under this rule, the USPTO amends Sec. Sec.  1.21(a)(1), 11.7(b), 
and 11.9(e) to provide applicants for registration or limited 
recognition the ability to request extensions of time to schedule the 
registration exam for a fee. Currently, applicants are assigned a 
window of time in which to schedule and sit for the registration 
examination. Applicants who do not take the examination before the 
expiration of that window must reapply and again pay the application 
and test administration fees. The ability to request extensions of time 
saves those applicants who require more time to prepare for the 
examination or are unable to sit for the examination within the window 
from having to reapply and again pay the application and test 
administration fees. This fee is significantly less than the existing 
application and examination fees that are due from an applicant who 
failed to take the registration examination during the test window. The 
fee seeks to recover the estimated average cost to the Office of 
related processing, services, and materials. The authorization for this 
fee is 35 U.S.C. 41(d)(2)(A).
    Under this rule, the USPTO amends Sec.  1.21(a)(9) to provide a 
heading to clarify the nature of the fees listed thereunder.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.1 to clarify several definitions and to 
correct typographical errors. The terms ``conviction'' and 
``convicted'' are revised to correct the spelling of ``nolo 
contendere.'' The term ``practitioner'' is revised to eliminate surplus 
within the definition. The term ``register'' is added alongside 
``roster'' to clarify that both terms carry the same meaning. The term 
``serious crime'' currently encompasses all felonies. However, not all 
states classify crimes as felonies and misdemeanors. To ensure 
consistent treatment among similarly situated practitioners, the 
definition is revised to encompass any criminal offense punishable by 
death or imprisonment of more than one year. This revision harmonizes 
the definition with that found in the U.S. Criminal Code, in 
particular, 18 U.S.C. 3559(a). The term ``state'' is revised to reflect 
the correct capitalization of ``commonwealth.''
    The rule amends Sec.  11.2(b)(2) to eliminate an unnecessary 
reference to Sec.  11.7(b). This revision creates no change in 
practice.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.2(b)(4) to clarify that the OED Director 
is authorized to conduct investigations of persons subject to the 
disciplinary jurisdiction of the Office. The amendments also replace 
the term ``accused practitioner'' with ``subject of the 
investigation.''
    The rule amends Sec.  11.4, currently reserved, to define how time 
shall be computed in part 11. The computational method aligns with the 
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.5(a) by adding a paragraph heading.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.5(b) to change the term ``patent cases'' 
to ``patent matters,'' amends Sec.  11.5(b)(1) to change the term 
``other proceeding'' to ``other patent proceeding'' to clarify that 
this subparagraph refers only to patent proceedings, and clarifies the 
definition of practice before the Office in trademark matters in Sec.  
11.5(b)(2). Section 11.5(b) continues to provide that nothing in Sec.  
11.5 prohibits a practitioner from employing or retaining a non-
practitioner assistant under the supervision of the practitioner to 
assist in matters pending before, or contemplated to be presented to, 
the Office.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.7(b) to eliminate the requirement for 
applicants to refile previously submitted documentation after one year. 
The provisions regarding retaking the examination are moved from 
subparagraph (b)(1)(ii) to (b)(2). Although an applicant may apply to 
take the examination an unlimited number of times, subparagraph (b)(2) 
provides additional opportunities upon petition for an applicant to 
demonstrate preparedness for each attempt after the fifth attempt. This 
provision maintains the integrity of the examination and is in line 
with the practice of various state bars. The provisions regarding 
denial of admission to the examination and notices of incompleteness 
are moved from (b)(2) to (b)(3), which is currently reserved.
    Under this rule, the USPTO amends Sec.  11.7(d)(3)(i)(B) to change 
the term ``patent cases'' to ``patent matters.''
    The rule strikes the last sentence of Sec.  11.7(e) to eliminate 
conflict with Sec.  11.7(b)(2).
    The rule amends Sec.  11.7(g)(1) and (g)(2)(ii) to clarify that OED 
may accept a state bar's determination of character and reputation as 
opposed to simply character. The amendment also corrects an internal 
citation and updates a reference to requests for information and 
evidence in enrollment matters.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.7 by adding a new paragraph (l) that 
clarifies that a registered patent agent who becomes an attorney may be 
registered as a patent attorney upon paying the required fee and 
meeting any additional requirements.
    Under this rule, the USPTO amends Sec.  11.9(a) to improve clarity 
and Sec.  11.9(b) to update a cross-reference. The revisions make no 
change in practice.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.9 by importing the provisions of Sec.  
11.7(a) and (b) into new paragraphs (d) and (e) of Sec.  11.9. This 
clarifies the application process as it applies to those seeking 
limited recognition under Sec.  11.9(b) but makes no substantive 
procedural changes.

[[Page 28447]]

    The rule amends Sec.  11.9 by adding a new paragraph (f) to clarify 
the documentation required to obtain reinstatement of limited 
recognition. This revision generally restates the practice currently 
set forth in Sec.  11.7(b). It provides that individuals whose limited 
recognition has been expired for five years or longer at the time of 
application for reinstatement must provide objective evidence that they 
continue to possess the necessary legal qualifications to practice in 
patent matters before the Office. Retaking and passing the registration 
examination is one way to establish such objective evidence.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.10(a) to clarify that only authorized 
practitioners may represent others before the Office in patent matters. 
This clarification is not intended to affect the rules governing 
practice before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board in parts 41 and 42 of 
this chapter.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.10(b)(1) and (2) by striking the phrase 
``or assist in any manner the representation of'' in the two instances 
in which it appears. The purpose of this revision is to carry out the 
USPTO's intent of ensuring that the restrictions of the post-employment 
agreement called for by the provision are coextensive with the post-
employment restrictions set forth in 18 U.S.C. 207, a criminal statute.
    The rule deletes Sec.  11.10(b)(3), (b)(4), and (c), which 
described words and phrases used in 18 U.S.C. 207. No change in 
practice is intended by these deletions, as these provisions are 
defined in 5 CFR.
    The rule deletes Sec.  11.10(d) and (e) because these practice 
prohibitions are elsewhere set forth in law and regulation. 
Notwithstanding the elimination of Sec.  11.10(d), USPTO employees 
remain barred from prosecuting, or aiding in the prosecution of, any 
patent or trademark application before the Office by virtue of 
conflict-of-interest statutes, such as 18 U.S.C. 203 and 205, as well 
as regulations, such as those promulgated by the Office of Government 
Ethics in 5 CFR chapter XVI. Similarly, the truism in Sec.  11.10(e)--
that practice before the USPTO by Government employees is subject to 
applicable conflict-of-interest laws, regulations, or codes of 
professional responsibility--is already set forth in Sec.  11.111.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.11 by correcting the capitalization of the 
title of the ``OED Director.''
    Under this rule, the USPTO amends Sec.  11.11(b) to change the term 
``patent cases'' to ``patent matters,'' to clarify the nature of the 
notice called for in paragraph (b)(1) and improve syntax.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.11(b)(3) to clarify that the OED Director 
may withdraw a notice to show cause where the practitioner who is 
subject to such notice has satisfied the notice's requirements prior to 
the USPTO Director making a decision on such notice.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.11 by adding a new subparagraph (b)(7) to 
clarify that administratively suspended practitioners must apply for 
reinstatement under paragraph (f)(1) in order to be reinstated.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.11(c) to simplify the process for 
requesting reactivation and to replace the term ``roster'' with the 
term ``register.''
    The rule amends Sec.  11.11(e) to clarify the eligibility 
requirements for practitioners who request to resign. These revisions 
make no substantive change.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.11(f)(2) to improve clarity and harmonize 
the requirements for reactivation with the requirements for 
reinstatement following administrative suspension. Specifically, 
individuals who have been administratively inactive for five or more 
years subsequent to separation from the Office or cessation of 
employment in a judicial capacity are required to submit objective 
evidence that they continue to possess the necessary legal 
qualifications. Retaking and passing the registration examination is 
one way to establish such objective evidence.
    Under this rule, the USPTO amends Sec.  11.11 by adding a new 
paragraph (g) to allow administrative revocation of registration or 
limited recognition based on mistake, materially false information, or 
the omission of material information. Registration or limited 
recognition will only be revoked after the issuance of a notice to show 
cause and an opportunity to respond. This aligns with the existing 
provisions in Sec. Sec.  11.7(j), 11.11(b), 11.20(a)(4), and 11.60(e).
    The rule amends Sec.  11.18(c)(2) to set forth the correct title of 
the Director of the Office of Enrollment and Discipline.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.19(a) to change ``patent cases'' to 
``patent matters'' and to clarify that a non-practitioner is subject to 
the USPTO's disciplinary authority if the person engages in or offers 
to engage in practice before the Office without proper authority. The 
phrase ``including by the USPTO Director,'' which modifies various 
types of public discipline, is deleted as surplus. The USPTO Director's 
authority to administer discipline or transfer a practitioner to 
disability inactive status is firmly established. Thus, the inclusion 
of this phrase is unnecessary.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.19(b)(1)(ii) to include discipline on 
professional misconduct grounds alongside discipline on ethical 
grounds. The inclusion of both is aimed at making clear that discipline 
for professional misconduct also constitutes grounds for discipline.
    Section 11.19(c) is amended to properly cite a subpart of part 11.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.19 by adding a new paragraph (e). This 
provision clarifies that the OED Director may select any disciplinary 
procedure or procedures that are appropriate to the situation at hand. 
For example, the OED Director is authorized, in appropriate 
circumstances, to pursue reciprocal discipline under Sec.  11.24 while 
also instituting a disciplinary proceeding under Sec.  11.32.
    This rule amends Sec.  11.20(a)(4) to provide that the conditions 
of probation shall be stated in the order imposing probation.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.20(c) to improve syntax and to clarify 
that this provision merely describes the process set forth in Sec.  
11.29 for transferring to disability inactive status.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.21 to remove the adjective ``brief'' that 
modifies the phrase ``statement of facts.'' The length of a statement 
of facts depends on the complexity of the matter and the issues 
presented. This revision allows a level of detail in a statement of 
facts appropriate to the particular matter.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.22(c), currently reserved, to require a 
practitioner to notify the OED Director of the practitioner becoming 
publicly disciplined, disqualified from practice, transferred to 
disability status, or convicted of a crime, within 30 days of such 
occurrence, as already required in Sec. Sec.  11.24, 11.25, or 11.29. 
This revision also clarifies that a certified copy of the record or 
order regarding the discipline, disqualification, conviction, or 
transfer to disability status is clear and convincing evidence of such 
event.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.22(g) to correct erroneous citations to 
Sec.  11.22(b)(1) and (b)(2). The correct citations are Sec.  
11.23(b)(1) and (b)(2).
    Under this rule, the USPTO amends Sec.  11.22(h) to clarify that 
the list of actions that the OED Director may take upon the conclusion 
of an investigation is not necessarily limited to the four actions 
enumerated therein.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.24(a) to provide that a certified copy of 
the record or order regarding public discipline in another jurisdiction 
shall establish a

[[Page 28448]]

prima facie case by clear and convincing evidence that a practitioner 
has, in fact, been publicly disciplined by that jurisdiction. In 
addition, the provision is amended to clarify that the OED Director is 
permitted to exercise discretion in whether to pursue reciprocal 
discipline in any given matter.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.24(b) to enhance readability. No change in 
practice is intended.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.24(d)(1) to clarify the USPTO Director's 
prerogative to order that a disciplinary record be supplemented with 
further information or argument.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.24(e) to clarify that a final adjudication 
in another jurisdiction that a practitioner has committed ethical 
misconduct, regardless of the evidentiary standard applied, shall 
establish a prima facie case that the practitioner has engaged in 
misconduct under Sec.  11.804(h). This change does not affect the 
availability of the defenses specified in Sec.  11.24(d)(1).
    Under this rule, the USPTO amends Sec.  11.25(a) to remove the 
requirement to self-report certain traffic violations where the sole 
punishment adjudicated is a fine of $300.00 or less. The provision also 
now clarifies that the OED Director is permitted to exercise discretion 
in whether to pursue discipline in any given matter under this section.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.25(b)(3) to clarify that the USPTO 
Director may order that a disciplinary record be supplemented with 
further information or argument.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.25(e)(2) to allow practitioners who are 
disciplined by the USPTO upon conviction of a serious crime to apply 
for reinstatement immediately upon completing their sentence, 
probation, or parole, whichever is later, provided they are otherwise 
eligible for reinstatement. Under the current rule, a practitioner must 
wait at least five years after the last of these events before he or 
she is eligible to apply for reinstatement.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.27(b) and (c) to clarify procedures for 
exclusion on consent. Specifically, the revision allows the OED 
Director to file a response to a Sec.  11.27(a) affidavit. Nothing 
herein is intended to alter the requirements under Sec.  11.27(a), 
including but not limited to the Sec.  11.27(a)(2) requirement that the 
statement of the nature of the pending investigation or pending 
proceeding shall be specifically set forth in the affidavit to the 
satisfaction of the OED Director. The revision also removes and 
reserves Sec.  11.27(c), in light of the provisions of revised Sec.  
11.27(b).
    The rule amends Sec.  11.28(a) to replace the term ``patent cases'' 
with ``patent matters,'' clarify the requirements for moving to hold a 
proceeding in abeyance, remove the requirement that such motion be made 
prior to a disciplinary hearing, and update cross-references.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.29(a) to clarify that the OED Director 
possesses discretion as to whether to request that a practitioner be 
transferred to disciplinary inactive status.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.29(b) to incorporate the ``clear and 
convincing'' burden of proof currently set forth in Sec.  11.29(d) that 
a practitioner must satisfy to avoid a reciprocal transfer to 
disability inactive status. The rule enlarges the period of time to 40 
days (instead of 30 days) for a practitioner to respond to the OED 
Director's request to transfer the practitioner to disability inactive 
status.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.29(d) by revising the heading of the 
paragraph. The provision is reorganized and revised to clarify the 
USPTO Director's prerogative to order that the record be supplemented 
with further information or argument. The revisions to Sec.  11.29(b) 
and (d) parallel the organizational structure of Sec.  11.24.
    Under this rule, the USPTO amends Sec.  11.29(g) by clarifying that 
a practitioner in disability inactive status must comply with both 
Sec. Sec.  11.29 and 11.58, and not merely Sec.  11.58. This revision 
makes no change in practice and aligns the provision with Sec.  11.58.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.29(i) by updating cross-references. The 
revisions make no change in practice.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.34(c) to expressly allow a complaint to be 
filed in a disciplinary proceeding by delivering, mailing, or 
electronically transmitting the document to a hearing officer.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.35(a) to make minor corrections to syntax.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.35(c) to state that a complaint in a 
disciplinary matter may be served on the respondent's attorney in lieu 
of the respondent, if the respondent is known to the OED Director to be 
represented by an attorney under Sec.  11.40(a). This revision permits 
the OED Director to serve the respondent, respondent's attorney, or 
both.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.39(a) to clarify the process by which 
hearing officers are designated in disciplinary proceedings. This 
amendment does not affect the USPTO Director's authority to designate 
administrative law judges to serve as hearing officers. In fact, the 
rule specifically amends Sec.  11.39(b) to clarify that administrative 
law judges appointed in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3105 may be designated 
as hearing officers.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.39(f) to correct a cross-reference.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.40 by dividing the current paragraph (b) 
into two paragraphs to facilitate ease in reading. In all other 
respects, the provision remains unchanged.
    The USPTO amends Sec.  11.41(a) to expressly provide that papers 
may be filed by delivering, mailing, or electronically transmitting 
such documents to a hearing officer.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.43 by changing the heading to clarify that 
the provision applies only to motions before a hearing officer and not 
to those before the USPTO Director. As amended, the section requires 
motions to be accompanied by written memoranda setting forth a concise 
statement of the facts and supporting reasons, along with a citation of 
the authorities upon which the movant relies. The revisions also 
require that responses to motions be filed within 21 days and served on 
the opposing party, and reply memoranda served within 14 days after 
service of the opposing party's response. In addition, the memoranda 
should be double-spaced and printed in 12-point font, unless otherwise 
ordered by the hearing officer.
    The USPTO amends Sec.  11.44(a) to allow scheduling of a hearing 
only on a date after the time for filing an answer has elapsed.
    This rule amends Sec.  11.44(b) to clarify the sanctions a hearing 
officer may impose for failure to appear at a disciplinary hearing.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.50 to clarify the existing practice of 
prohibiting the admission of speculative evidence.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.51(a) by revising it and dividing it into 
a new Sec.  11.51(a)-(g). The revisions aim to provide clarity and 
confirm the existing regulatory requirement that if a respondent 
demands testimony or the production of documents from a USPTO employee, 
the respondent must comply with part 104 of chapter I. The rule also 
makes clear that a deposition may be videotaped if desired. The term 
``deposition expenses'' replaces the phrase ``expenses for a court 
reporter and preparing, serving, and filing depositions.'' Deposition 
expenses may include, but are not limited to, fees for court reporters, 
videographers, transcripts, and room rentals; witness appearance and 
travel; service of process; and costs for preparing,

[[Page 28449]]

serving, and filing depositions. This revision does not affect expenses 
recoverable under Sec.  11.60(d)(2).
    The rule amends Sec.  11.51(b) by redesignating it as Sec.  
11.51(h). The revisions to this paragraph make no change to existing 
practice.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.52 by reorganizing the section to improve 
clarity. The revisions limit the scope of written discovery to relevant 
evidence only, as opposed to evidence that may be reasonably calculated 
to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence. The revisions also 
provide that requests for admission may be used to admit the 
genuineness of documents and provide consequences for the failure to 
respond to requests for admission. Finally, the revisions expand the 
scope of information that parties must provide regarding expert 
witnesses to include a complete statement of all opinions to which the 
expert is expected to testify, the basis and reasons therefor, and a 
description of all facts or data considered by the expert in forming 
the opinions.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.53 to specify the timing and other 
requirements of post-hearing memoranda, unless otherwise ordered by the 
hearing officer. The rule also allows the hearing officer to enlarge 
the time permitted for filing post-hearing memoranda and to increase 
page limits upon a showing of good cause.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.54 to require a hearing officer to 
transmit the record of the proceeding to the OED Director within 14 
days of the date of the initial decision, or as soon as practicable. 
The rule amends Sec.  11.54(a)(1) by requiring an initial decision to 
make ``specific'' references to the record instead of ``appropriate'' 
references to the record. The provision currently located in Sec.  
11.54(a)(2) that describes the process that the hearing officer shall 
take with respect to the transmission of the decision and the record is 
moved to Sec.  11.54(c). It is also revised to require the hearing 
officer to forward to the OED Director the record of proceedings within 
14 days, or as soon as practicable, after the date of the initial 
decision. In addition, the provision currently located in Sec.  
11.54(a)(2), that discusses the point in time at which the decision of 
the hearing officer becomes the decision of the USPTO Director, is 
moved to Sec.  11.54(d). This section is also amended to remove an 
unnecessary reference to default judgments. These revisions do not 
alter the result that any decision of a hearing officer, if not 
appealed, becomes final without regard to whether the decision results 
from default.
    The USPTO amends Sec.  11.55 to more closely align the language 
with changes to the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure and provide 
clarity as to the responsibilities of parties during appeals to the 
USPTO Director. The revisions establish a procedure for filing notices 
of appeal and provide briefing timelines. Prior to this rule, an 
appellant was allowed 30 days to file a brief. This rule now allows 14 
days in which to file a notice of appeal and 45 days thereafter in 
which to file the appellate brief. The rule also removes the former 
paragraph (i), which was duplicative of a similar provision in Sec.  
11.54. Finally, the revisions added paragraph (o) that governs motions 
practice before the USPTO Director. The procedures in paragraph (o) 
generally parallel those in Sec.  11.43.
    This rule amends Sec.  11.56(c) to allow a party to file a response 
to a request for reconsideration within 14 days after such request is 
made. The revision requires that such request be based on newly 
discovered evidence or clear error of law or fact.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.57 by reorganizing the provision and 
revising it to conform with Local Civil Rule 83.5 of the Local Rules 
for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia 
(https://www.vaed.uscourts.gov/sites/vaed/files/LocalRulesEDVA.pdf). 
The provision now requires that any petition for review of a final 
decision of the USPTO Director must be filed within 30 days after the 
date of the final decision.
    Under this rule, the USPTO amends Sec.  11.58 by revising, 
subdividing, and renumbering the provisions describing the duties of 
disciplined practitioners or practitioners on disability inactive 
status. The USPTO believes that these revisions will make it easier for 
disciplined practitioners to more easily comply with Sec.  11.58. Where 
the practitioner believes compliance with the rule would be unduly 
cumbersome, a practitioner is permitted to petition for relief. The 
revised rule continues to allow a suspended or excluded practitioner to 
act as a paralegal provided certain conditions are met, such as serving 
under the supervision of a practitioner as defined in part 11. The 
revisions permit, rather than require, the USPTO Director to grant a 
period of limited recognition to allow a disciplined practitioner to 
wind up his or her practice. These revisions to Sec.  11.58 in no way 
limit the OED Director's ability to take action for violations of the 
rule. For example, the OED Director is still authorized to take action 
against a practitioner for violating the terms of disciplinary 
probation or to seek exclusion or an additional suspension for 
practitioners who violate disciplinary rules while excluded, suspended, 
or in disability inactive status. Finally, the revisions strike 
references to resigned practitioners. Obligations relating to resigned 
practitioners are consolidated in Sec.  11.11(e) and (f)(3).
    The rule amends Sec.  11.60 to remove references to resigned 
status. Procedures for resignation and reinstatement from a resigned 
status are consolidated in Sec.  11.11. For this reason, the USPTO 
amends Sec.  11.60(b) and (c) to eliminate references to reinstatement 
and Sec.  11.58 compliance requirements for resigned practitioners. The 
USPTO also amends the heading of Sec.  11.60 to explicitly reflect that 
it applies only to disciplined practitioners. The rule re-designates 
the current Sec.  11.60(f) as Sec.  11.60(g) and amends the paragraph 
by inserting a new provision that clarifies that a final decision by 
the OED Director denying reinstatement to a practitioner is not a final 
agency action. A suspended or excluded party dissatisfied with the 
decision of the OED Director regarding his or her reinstatement may 
seek review of the decision by petitioning the USPTO Director in 
accordance with Sec.  11.2(d).
    The rule re-designates the current Sec.  11.60(g) as Sec.  11.60(h) 
and amends the paragraph to allow a notice of a practitioner's intent 
to seek reinstatement to be published prior to the expiration date of 
the suspension or exclusion. The purpose of this revision is to speed 
the processing of petitions for reinstatement while still providing the 
requisite public notice.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.106(b) to allow a practitioner to reveal 
information relating to the representation of a client to detect and 
resolve conflicts of interest arising from the practitioner's change of 
employment or from changes in the composition or ownership of a law 
firm, but only if the revealed information would not compromise the 
attorney-client privilege or otherwise prejudice the client. This 
amendment brings this provision into alignment with the 2012 amendments 
to ABA Model Rule 1.6.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.106 by adding a new paragraph (d) that 
requires a practitioner to make reasonable efforts to prevent the 
inadvertent or unauthorized disclosure of, or unauthorized access to, 
information relating to the representation of a client. This amendment 
brings this provision into alignment with the 2012 amendments to ABA 
Model Rule 1.6.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.118 to align with a 2012 amendment to ABA 
Model Rule 1.18. The ABA amended Model Rule 1.18 to more narrowly 
define a

[[Page 28450]]

prospective client as someone who ``consults with'' a lawyer rather 
than someone who merely ``discusses'' the possibility of forming a 
lawyer-client relationship.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.702 to establish standards that, if met, 
would qualify practitioners to state they are certified specialists in 
particular fields of law. This amendment brings this provision into 
alignment with the 2018 amendments to ABA Model Rule 7.2.
    Under this rule, the USPTO amends Sec.  11.703 to clarify that the 
limitations on solicitation apply to any person without regard to 
whether the practitioner considers the targets of the solicitation to 
actually be prospective clients. This amendment brings this provision 
into alignment with the 2018 amendments to ABA Model Rule 7.3.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.704(e) to clarify that individuals granted 
limited recognition under Sec.  11.9 may not use the designation 
``registered.''
    The rule amends Sec.  11.804(b) to clarify that being convicted of 
a qualifying crime is a form of misconduct.
    The rule amends Sec.  11.804(h) to provide that misconduct includes 
being publicly disciplined on ethical or professional misconduct 
grounds by a country having disciplinary jurisdiction over the 
practitioner.

Rulemaking Requirements

    A. Administrative Procedure Act: The changes in this rulemaking 
involve rules of agency practice and procedure, and/or interpretive 
rules. See Perez v. Mortg. Bankers Ass'n, 135 S. Ct. 1199, 1204 (2015) 
(Interpretive rules ``advise the public of the agency's construction of 
the statutes and rules which it administers.'' (citation and internal 
quotation marks omitted)); Nat'l Org. of Veterans' Advocates v. Sec'y 
of Veterans Affairs, 260 F.3d 1365, 1375 (Fed. Cir. 2001) (rule that 
clarifies that interpretation of a statute is interpretive); Bachow 
Commc'ns Inc. v. FCC, 237 F.3d 683, 690 (D.C. Cir. 2001) (Rules 
governing an application process are procedural under the 
Administrative Procedure Act.); Inova Alexandria Hosp. v. Shalala, 244 
F.3d 342, 350 (4th Cir. 2001) (Rules for handling appeals were 
procedural where they did not change the substantive standard for 
reviewing claims.).
    Accordingly, prior notice and opportunity for public comment for 
the changes in this rulemaking were not required pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
553(b) or (c), or any other law. See Perez, 135 S. Ct. at 1206 (Notice-
and-comment procedures are required neither when an agency ``issue[s] 
an initial interpretive rule'' nor ``when it amends or repeals that 
interpretive rule.''); Cooper Techs. Co. v. Dudas, 536 F.3d 1330, 1336-
37 (Fed. Cir. 2008) (stating that 5 U.S.C. 553, and thus 35 U.S.C. 
2(b)(2)(B), do not require notice-and-comment rulemaking for 
``interpretative rules, general statements of policy, or rules of 
agency organization, procedure, or practice'' (quoting 5 U.S.C. 
553(b)(A))). However, the Office chose to seek public comment before 
implementing the rule to benefit from the public's input.
    B. Regulatory Flexibility Act: For the reasons set forth herein, 
the Senior Counsel for Regulatory and Legislative Affairs, Office of 
General Law, of the USPTO has certified to the Chief Counsel for 
Advocacy of the Small Business Administration that changes in this 
final rule do not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities. See 5 U.S.C. 605(b).
    The changes in this rule fall into one of three categories: (1) 
Harmonization of the USPTO Rules of Professional Conduct with the ABA 
Model Rules of Professional Conduct; (2) changes to the rules governing 
the recognition to practice before the Office to implement new 
requirements and simplify and otherwise improve consistency with 
existing requirements to facilitate the public's compliance with 
existing regulations, including revisions to timeframes, procedures 
concerning the registration exam, provisions related to the revocation 
of an individual's registration or limited recognition in limited 
circumstances, and provisions for reinstatement; and (3) non-
substantive changes, such as increased structural parallelism between 
similar provisions; increased readability of provisions; corrections to 
spelling, grammar, and cross-references; harmonization of terminology; 
correction of syntax formats to comport with the Federal Register 
Document Drafting Handbook; reorganization of paragraph structure 
within particular rules; and other changes to improve clarity in the 
regulations.
    This rule applies to the approximately 47,000 patent practitioners 
registered or granted limited recognition to appear before the Office, 
as well as licensed attorneys practicing in trademark and other non-
patent matters before the Office. The USPTO does not collect or 
maintain statistics on the size status of impacted entities, which 
would be required to determine the number of small entities that would 
be affected by the rule. However, a large number of the changes in this 
rule are not expected to have any impact on otherwise regulated 
entities. For example, correction of spelling and grammar, 
harmonization of terminology, correction of syntax formats, and 
reorganization of paragraph structures are administrative in nature and 
have no impact on otherwise regulated entities.
    The USPTO has also changed the rules governing the recognition to 
practice before the Office and certain rules governing the process of 
investigations and conduct of disciplinary proceedings to clarify 
existing policy and practice and to update the USPTO Rules of 
Professional Conduct to reflect widely adopted changes to the ABA Model 
Rules of Professional Conduct. These revisions impact rules of 
procedure and are not expected to substantively impact parties. The 
intent of these changes is to make the USPTO regulations more clear and 
to streamline procedural requirements. Where the rule arguably 
increases regulatory burden, such burdens are minimal and outweighed by 
the benefits provided.
    This rule also provides applicants for registration or limited 
recognition the ability to request extensions of time to schedule the 
registration exam for a fee. This new fee of $115 helps recover the 
estimated average cost to the Office of related processing, services, 
and materials. The USPTO expects that this increased scheduling 
flexibility will save those applicants who would have otherwise missed 
the window in which to sit for the registration examination the time 
and expense of having to reapply to take the examination. Effective 
October 2, 2020, the cost of reapplying for the examination is $320, 
exclusive of any nonrefundable fees paid to the commercial testing 
service that administers the examination. See 85 FR 46932 (Aug. 3, 
2020). The USPTO estimates that this new regulatory flexibility will 
save the public at least $102,500. The authorization for this fee is 35 
U.S.C. 41(d)(2)(A).
    In sum, any requirements resulting from these changes are of 
minimal or no additional burden to those practicing before the Office. 
For these reasons, this rulemaking will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities.
    C. Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review): This 
rulemaking has been determined to be not significant for purposes of 
Executive Order 12866.
    D. Executive Order 13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory 
Review): The Office has complied with Executive Order 13563. 
Specifically, the Office has, to the extent feasible and applicable: 
(1) Made a reasoned determination that the benefits justify

[[Page 28451]]

the costs of the rule; (2) tailored the rule to impose the least burden 
on society consistent with obtaining the regulatory objectives; (3) 
selected a regulatory approach that maximizes net benefits; (4) 
specified performance objectives; (5) identified and assessed available 
alternatives; (6) involved the public in an open exchange of 
information and perspectives among experts in relevant disciplines, 
affected stakeholders in the private sector, and the public as a whole, 
and provided online access to the rulemaking docket; (7) attempted to 
promote coordination, simplification, and harmonization across 
government agencies and identified goals designed to promote 
innovation; (8) considered approaches that reduce burdens and maintain 
flexibility and freedom of choice for the public; and (9) ensured the 
objectivity of scientific and technological information and processes.
    E. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism): This rulemaking does not 
contain policies with federalism implications sufficient to warrant 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment under Executive Order 13132 
(Aug. 4, 1999).
    F. Executive Order 13175 (Tribal Consultation): This rulemaking 
does not: (1) Have substantial direct effects on one or more Indian 
tribes; (2) impose substantial direct compliance costs on Indian tribal 
governments; or (3) preempt tribal law. Therefore, a tribal summary 
impact statement is not required under Executive Order 13175 (Nov. 6, 
2000).
    G. Executive Order 13211 (Energy Effects): This rulemaking is not a 
significant energy action under Executive Order 13211 because this 
rulemaking is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the 
supply, distribution, or use of energy. Therefore, a Statement of 
Energy Effects is not required under Executive Order 13211 (May 18, 
2001).
    H. Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice Reform): This rulemaking 
meets applicable standards to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, 
and reduce burden as set forth in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of 
Executive Order 12988 (Feb. 5, 1996).
    I. Executive Order 13045 (Protection of Children): This rulemaking 
does not concern an environmental risk to health or safety that may 
disproportionately affect children under Executive Order 13045 (Apr. 
21, 1997).
    J. Executive Order 12630 (Taking of Private Property): This 
rulemaking does not affect a taking of private property or otherwise 
have taking implications under Executive Order 12630 (Mar. 15, 1988).
    K. Congressional Review Act: Under the Congressional Review Act 
provisions of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 
1996 (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), prior to issuing any final rule, the USPTO 
will submit a report containing the final rule and other required 
information to the United States Senate, the United States House of 
Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the Government 
Accountability Office. The changes in this notice are not expected to 
result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, a 
major increase in costs or prices, or significant adverse effects on 
competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the 
ability of United States-based enterprises to compete with foreign-
based enterprises in domestic and export markets. Therefore, this 
notice is not expected to result in a ``major rule'' as defined in 5 
U.S.C. 804(2).
    L. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995: The changes set forth in 
this rulemaking do not involve a Federal intergovernmental mandate that 
will result in the expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments, 
in the aggregate, of $100 million (as adjusted) or more in any one 
year, or a Federal private sector mandate that will result in the 
expenditure by the private sector of $100 million (as adjusted) or more 
in any one year, and will not significantly or uniquely affect small 
governments. Therefore, no actions are necessary under the provisions 
of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. See 2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.
    M. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969: This rulemaking does 
not have any effect on the quality of the environment and is thus 
categorically excluded from review under the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969. See 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.
    N. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995: The 
requirements of section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and 
Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) are not applicable because 
this rulemaking does not contain provisions that involve the use of 
technical standards.
    O. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) requires that the Office consider the 
impact of paperwork and other information collection burdens imposed on 
the public. This rulemaking involves information collection 
requirements that are subject to review and approval by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The 
collections of information involved in this rulemaking have been 
reviewed and previously approved by OMB under OMB control numbers 0651-
0012 (Admission to Practice and Roster of Registered Patent Attorneys 
and Agents Admitted to Practice Before the USPTO) and 0651-0017 
(Practitioner Conduct and Discipline). In addition, modifications to 
0651-0012 because of this rulemaking have been submitted to OMB for 
approval. The modifications include updating the process under 37 CFR 
11.7 and 11.9 for the Form PTO-158, Application for Registration to 
Practice Before the USPTO, to include the option for applicants to 
extend their time window to schedule their registration examination, 
therefore reducing the number of applicants who would need to reapply 
because they did not take the examination in time. The USPTO estimates 
that the number of Applications for Registration to Practice Before the 
USPTO will decrease by 500 responses due to applicants obtaining an 
extension rather than reapplying for their registration.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required 
to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure 
to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements 
of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
has a currently valid OMB control number.

List of Subjects

37 CFR Part 1

    Administrative practice and procedure, Biologics, Courts, Freedom 
of information, Inventions and patents, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Small businesses.

37 CFR Part 11

    Administrative practice and procedure, Inventions and patents, 
Lawyers, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the United States Patent 
and Trademark Office amends 37 CFR parts 1 and 11 as follows:

PART 1--RULES OF PRACTICE IN PATENT CASES

0
1. The authority citation for part 1 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  35 U.S.C. 2(b)(2), unless otherwise noted.


0
2. Amend Sec.  1.21 by removing and reserving paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(B), 
adding paragraph (a)(1)(iv), and adding

[[Page 28452]]

introductory text to paragraph (a)(9) to read as follows:


Sec.  1.21   Miscellaneous fees and charges.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iv) Request for extension of time in which to schedule examination 
for registration to practice (non-refundable): $115.00.
* * * * *
    (9) Administrative reinstatement fees:
* * * * *

PART 11--REPRESENTATION OF OTHERS BEFORE THE UNITED STATES PATENT 
AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

0
3. The authority citation for part 11 continues to read as follows:


    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 500; 15 U.S.C. 1123; 35 U.S.C. 2(b)(2), 32, 
41; sec. 1, Pub. L. 113-227, 128 Stat. 2114.


0
4. Amend Sec.  11.1 by revising the definitions of ``Conviction or 
convicted,'' ``Practitioner,'' ``Roster or register,'' ``Serious 
crime,'' and ``State'' to read as follows:


Sec.  11.1   Definitions.

* * * * *
    Conviction or convicted means any confession to a crime; a verdict 
or judgment finding a person guilty of a crime; any entered plea, 
including nolo contendere or Alford plea, to a crime; or receipt of 
deferred adjudication (whether judgment or sentence has been entered or 
not) for an accused or pled crime.
* * * * *
    Practitioner means:
    (1) An attorney or agent registered to practice before the Office 
in patent matters;
    (2) An individual authorized under 5 U.S.C. 500(b), or otherwise as 
provided by Sec.  11.14(a), (b), and (c), to practice before the Office 
in trademark matters or other non-patent matters;
    (3) An individual authorized to practice before the Office in 
patent matters under Sec.  11.9(a) or (b); or
    (4) An individual authorized to practice before the Office under 
Sec.  11.16(d).
* * * * *
    Roster or register means a list of individuals who have been 
registered as either a patent attorney or patent agent.
* * * * *
    Serious crime means:
    (1) Any criminal offense classified as a felony under the laws of 
the United States, any state or any foreign country where the crime 
occurred, or any criminal offense punishable by death or imprisonment 
of more than one year; or
    (2) Any crime a necessary element of which, as determined by the 
statutory or common law definition of such crime in the jurisdiction 
where the crime occurred, includes interference with the administration 
of justice, false swearing, misrepresentation, fraud, willful failure 
to file income tax returns, deceit, bribery, extortion, 
misappropriation, theft, or an attempt or a conspiracy or solicitation 
of another to commit a ``serious crime.''
* * * * *
    State means any of the 50 states of the United States of America, 
the District of Columbia, and any commonwealth or territory of the 
United States of America.
* * * * *

0
5. Amend Sec.  11.2 by revising paragraphs (b)(2) and (4) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  11.2  Director of the Office of Enrollment and Discipline.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) Receive and act upon applications for registration, prepare and 
grade the registration examination, maintain the register provided for 
in Sec.  11.5, and perform such other duties in connection with 
enrollment and recognition of attorneys and agents as may be necessary.
* * * * *
    (4) Conduct investigations of matters involving possible grounds 
for discipline. Except in matters meriting summary dismissal, no 
disposition under Sec.  11.22(h) shall be recommended or undertaken by 
the OED Director until the subject of the investigation has been 
afforded an opportunity to respond to a reasonable inquiry by the OED 
Director.
* * * * *

0
6. Transfer Sec.  11.4 from subpart B to subpart A and revise to read 
as follows:


Sec.  11.4  Computing time.

    Computing time. The following rules apply in computing any time 
period specified in this part where the period is stated in days or a 
longer unit of time:
    (a) Exclude the day of the event that triggers the period;
    (b) Count every day, including intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and 
legal holidays; and
    (c) Include the last day of the period, but if the last day is a 
Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the period continues to run until 
the end of the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal 
holiday.

0
7. Amend Sec.  11.5 by revising paragraphs (a), (b)(1) introductory 
text, and (b)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  11.5  Register of attorneys and agents in patent matters; 
practice before the Office.

    (a) Register of attorneys and agents. A register of attorneys and 
agents is kept in the Office on which are entered the names of all 
individuals recognized as entitled to represent applicants having 
prospective or immediate business before the Office in the preparation 
and prosecution of patent applications. Registration in the Office 
under the provisions of this part shall entitle the individuals so 
registered to practice before the Office only in patent matters.
    (b) * * *
    (1) Practice before the Office in patent matters. Practice before 
the Office in patent matters includes, but is not limited to, preparing 
or prosecuting any patent application; consulting with or giving advice 
to a client in contemplation of filing a patent application or other 
document with the Office; drafting the specification or claims of a 
patent application; drafting an amendment or reply to a communication 
from the Office that may require written argument to establish the 
patentability of a claimed invention; drafting a reply to a 
communication from the Office regarding a patent application; and 
drafting a communication for a public use, interference, reexamination 
proceeding, petition, appeal to or any other proceeding before the 
Patent Trial and Appeal Board, or other patent proceeding. Registration 
to practice before the Office in patent matters authorizes the 
performance of those services that are reasonably necessary and 
incident to the preparation and prosecution of patent applications or 
other proceeding before the Office involving a patent application or 
patent in which the practitioner is authorized to participate. The 
services include:
* * * * *
    (2) Practice before the Office in trademark matters. Practice 
before the Office in trademark matters includes, but is not limited to, 
consulting with or giving advice to a client in contemplation of filing 
a trademark application or other document with the Office; preparing or 
prosecuting an application for trademark registration; preparing an 
amendment that may require written argument to establish the 
registrability of the mark; preparing or prosecuting a document for 
maintaining, correcting, amending, canceling, surrendering, or 
otherwise affecting a registration; and conducting an opposition, 
cancellation, or

[[Page 28453]]

concurrent use proceeding; or conducting an appeal to the Trademark 
Trial and Appeal Board.

0
8. Amend Sec.  11.7 by revising paragraphs (b)(1)(i)(B) and (b)(2) and 
(3); adding paragraph (b)(4); revising paragraphs (d)(3), (e), (f), 
(g)(1), and (g)(2)(ii); and adding paragraph (l) to read as follows:


Sec.  11.7  Requirements for registration.

* * * * *
    (b)(1) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (B) Payment of the fees required by Sec.  1.21(a)(1) of this 
chapter;
* * * * *
    (2) An individual failing the examination may, upon receipt of 
notice of failure from OED, reapply for admission to the examination. 
An individual failing the examination for the first or second time must 
wait 30 days after the date the individual last took the examination 
before retaking the examination. An individual failing the examination 
for the third or fourth time must wait 90 days after the date the 
individual last took the examination before retaking the examination. 
An individual may not take the examination more than five times. 
However, upon petition under Sec.  11.2(c), the OED Director may, at 
his or her discretion, waive this limitation upon such conditions as 
the OED Director may prescribe. An individual reapplying shall:
    (i) File a completed application for registration form including 
all requested information and supporting documents not previously 
provided to OED,
    (ii) Pay the fees required by Sec.  1.21(a)(1) of this chapter,
    (iii) For aliens, provide proof that registration is not 
inconsistent with the terms of their visa or entry into the United 
States, and
    (iv) Provide satisfactory proof of good moral character and 
reputation.
    (3) An individual failing to file a complete application for 
registration will not be admitted to the examination and will be 
notified of the incompleteness. Applications for registration that are 
incomplete as originally submitted will be considered only when they 
have been completed and received by OED, provided that this occurs 
within 60 days of the mailing date of the notice of incompleteness. 
Thereafter, a new and complete application for registration must be 
filed. Only an individual approved as satisfying the requirements of 
paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section may be admitted to the examination.
    (4)(i) A notice of admission shall be sent to those individuals who 
have been admitted to the registration examination. This notice shall 
specify a certain period of time in which to schedule and take the 
examination.
    (ii) An individual may request an extension of this period of time 
by written request to the OED Director. Such request must be received 
by the OED Director prior to the expiration of the period specified in 
the notice as extended by any previously granted extension and must 
include the fee specified in Sec.  1.21(a)(1)(iv). Upon the granting of 
the request, the period of time in which the individual may schedule 
and take the registration examination shall be extended by 90 days.
    (iii) An individual who does not take the registration examination 
within the period of time specified in the notice may not take the 
examination without filing a new application for registration, as set 
forth in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section.
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
* * * * *
    (3) Certain former Office employees who were not serving in the 
patent examining corps upon their separation from the Office. The OED 
Director may waive the taking of a registration examination in the case 
of a former Office employee meeting the requirements of paragraph 
(b)(1)(i)(C) of this section who, by petition, demonstrates the 
necessary legal qualifications to render to patent applicants and 
others valuable service and assistance in the preparation and 
prosecution of their applications or other business before the Office 
by showing that he or she has:
    (i) Exhibited comprehensive knowledge of patent law equivalent to 
that shown by passing the registration examination as a result of 
having been in a position of responsibility in the Office in which he 
or she:
    (A) Provided substantial guidance on patent examination policy, 
including the development of rule or procedure changes, patent 
examination guidelines, changes to the Manual of Patent Examining 
Procedure, training or testing materials for the patent examining 
corps, or materials for the registration examination or continuing 
legal education; or
    (B) Represented the Office in patent matters before Federal courts; 
and
    (ii) Was rated at least fully successful in each quality 
performance element of his or her performance plan for said position 
for the last two complete rating periods in the Office and was not 
under an oral or written warning regarding such performance elements at 
the time of separation from the Office.
* * * * *
    (e) Examination results. Notification of the examination results is 
final. Within 60 days of the mailing date of a notice of failure, the 
individual is entitled to inspect, but not copy, the questions and 
answers he or she incorrectly answered. Review will be under 
supervision. No notes may be taken during such review. Substantive 
review of the answers or questions may not be pursued by petition for 
regrade.
    (f) Application for reciprocal recognition. An individual seeking 
reciprocal recognition under Sec.  11.6(c), in addition to satisfying 
the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, and the 
provisions of Sec.  11.8(b), shall pay the application fee required by 
Sec.  1.21(a)(1)(i) of this chapter upon filing an application for 
registration.
    (g) * * *
    (1) Every individual seeking recognition shall answer all questions 
in the application for registration and request(s) for information and 
evidence issued by OED; disclose all relevant facts, dates, and 
information; and provide verified copies of documents relevant to his 
or her good moral character and reputation. An individual who is an 
attorney shall submit a certified copy of each of his or her State bar 
applications and determinations of character and reputation, if 
available.
    (2) * * *
    (ii) The OED Director, in considering an application for 
registration by an attorney, may accept a State bar's determination of 
character and reputation as meeting the requirements set forth in 
paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section if, after review, the Office finds 
no substantial discrepancy between the information provided with his or 
her application for registration and the State bar application and 
determination of character and reputation, provided that acceptance is 
not inconsistent with other rules and the requirements of 35 U.S.C. 
2(b)(2)(D).
* * * * *
    (l) Transfer of status from agent to attorney. An agent registered 
under Sec.  11.6(b) may request registration as an attorney under Sec.  
11.6(a). The agent shall demonstrate his or her good standing as an 
attorney and pay the fee required by Sec.  1.21(a)(2)(iii) of this 
chapter.

0
9. Amend Sec.  11.9 by revising paragraphs (a) and (b) and adding 
paragraphs (d), (e), and (f), to read as follows:

[[Page 28454]]

Sec.  11.9  Limited recognition in patent matters.

    (a) Any individual not registered under Sec.  11.6 may, upon a 
showing of circumstances that render it necessary or justifiable and 
that the individual is of good moral character and reputation, be given 
limited recognition by the OED Director to prosecute as attorney or 
agent a specified patent application or specified patent applications. 
Limited recognition under this paragraph shall not extend further than 
the application or applications specified. Limited recognition shall 
not be granted to individuals who have passed the examination or to 
those for whom the examination has been waived while such individual's 
application for registration to practice before the Office in patent 
matters is pending.
    (b) A nonimmigrant alien residing in the United States and 
fulfilling the provisions of paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section may 
be granted limited recognition if the nonimmigrant alien is authorized 
by the United States Government to be employed or trained in the United 
States in the capacity of representing a patent applicant by presenting 
or prosecuting a patent application. Limited recognition shall be 
granted for a period consistent with the terms of authorized employment 
or training. Limited recognition shall not be granted or extended to a 
non-United States citizen residing abroad. If granted, limited 
recognition shall automatically expire upon the nonimmigrant alien's 
departure from the United States.
* * * * *
    (d) No individual will be granted limited recognition to practice 
before the Office under paragraph (b) of this section unless he or she 
has:
    (1) Applied to the USPTO Director in writing by completing an 
application form supplied by the OED Director and furnishing all 
requested information and material; and
    (2) Established to the satisfaction of the OED Director that he or 
she:
    (i) Possesses good moral character and reputation;
    (ii) Possesses the legal, scientific, and technical qualifications 
necessary for him or her to render applicants valuable service; and
    (iii) Is competent to advise and assist patent applicants in the 
presentation and prosecution of their applications before the Office.
    (e)(1) To enable the OED Director to determine whether an 
individual has the qualifications specified in paragraph (d)(2) of this 
section, the individual shall:
    (i) File a complete application for limited recognition each time 
admission to the registration examination is requested. A complete 
application for limited recognition includes:
    (A) An application for limited recognition form supplied by the OED 
Director wherein all requested information and supporting documents are 
furnished;
    (B) Payment of the fees required by Sec.  1.21(a)(1) of this 
chapter;
    (C) Satisfactory proof of scientific and technical qualifications; 
and
    (D) Satisfactory proof that the terms of the individual's 
immigration status or entry into the United States authorize employment 
or training in the preparation and prosecution of patents for others; 
and
    (ii) Pass the registration examination. Each individual seeking 
limited recognition under this section must take and pass the 
registration examination to enable the OED Director to determine 
whether the individual possesses the legal and competence 
qualifications specified in paragraphs (d)(2)(ii) and (d)(2)(iii) of 
this section.
    (2) An individual failing the examination may, upon receipt of 
notice of failure from OED, reapply for admission to the examination. 
An individual failing the examination for the first or second time must 
wait 30 days after the date the individual last took the examination 
before retaking the examination. An individual failing the examination 
for the third or fourth time must wait 90 days after the date the 
individual last took the examination before retaking the examination. 
An individual may not take the examination more than five times. 
However, upon petition under Sec.  11.2(c), the OED Director may, at 
his or her discretion, waive this limitation upon such conditions as 
the OED Director may prescribe. An individual reapplying shall:
    (i) File a complete application for limited recognition form, 
including all requested information and supporting documents not 
previously provided to OED;
    (ii) Pay the application fee required by Sec.  1.21(a)(1) of this 
chapter;
    (iii) Provide satisfactory proof that the terms of the individual's 
immigration status or entry into the United States authorize employment 
or training in the preparation and prosecution of patents for others; 
and
    (iv) Provide satisfactory proof of good moral character and 
reputation.
    (3) An individual failing to file a complete application will not 
be admitted to the examination and will be notified of such deficiency. 
Applications for limited recognition that are incomplete will be 
considered only when the deficiency has been cured, provided that this 
occurs within 60 days of the mailing date of the notice of deficiency. 
Thereafter, a new and complete application for limited recognition must 
be filed. An individual seeking limited recognition under paragraph (b) 
of this section must satisfy the requirements of paragraph (e)(1)(i) of 
this section to be admitted to the examination.
    (4)(i) A notice of admission shall be sent to those individuals who 
have been admitted to the registration examination. This notice shall 
specify a certain period of time in which to schedule and take the 
examination.
    (ii) An individual may request an extension of this period of time 
by written request to the OED Director. Such request must be received 
by the OED Director prior to the expiration of the period specified in 
the notice, as extended by any previously granted extension, and must 
include the fee specified in Sec.  1.21(a)(1)(iv). Upon the granting of 
the request, the period of time in which the individual may schedule 
and take the examination shall be extended by 90 days.
    (iii) An individual who does not take the examination within the 
period of time specified in the notice may not take the examination 
without filing a new application for limited recognition as set forth 
in paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section.
    (f) Applications for reinstatement of limited recognition. (1) A 
person whose grant of limited recognition expired less than five years 
before the application for reinstatement may be reinstated provided the 
person:
    (i) Files a complete application that includes:
    (A) A request for reinstatement with the fee required by Sec.  
1.21(a)(9)(ii); and
    (B) Satisfactory proof that the terms of the individual's 
immigration status or entry into the United States authorize employment 
or training in the preparation and prosecution of patents for others; 
and
    (ii) Provides satisfactory proof of good moral character and 
reputation.
    (2) Persons whose grant of limited recognition expired five years 
or more before filing a complete application for reinstatement must 
comply with paragraph (f)(1) of this section and provide objective 
evidence that they continue to possess the necessary legal 
qualifications to render applicants valuable service to patent 
applicants.

0
10. Revise Sec.  11.10 to read as follows:

[[Page 28455]]

Sec.  11.10   Restrictions on practice in patent matters; former and 
current Office employees; government employees.

    (a) Only practitioners registered under Sec.  11.6; individuals 
given limited recognition under Sec.  11.9(a) or (b) or Sec.  11.16; or 
individuals admitted pro hac vice as provided in Sec.  41.5(a) or 
42.10(c) of this chapter are permitted to represent others before the 
Office in patent matters.
    (b) Post employment agreement of former Office employee. No 
individual who has served in the patent examining corps or elsewhere in 
the Office may practice before the Office after termination of his or 
her service, unless he or she signs a written undertaking agreeing:
    (1) To not knowingly act as agent or attorney for or otherwise 
represent any other person:
    (i) Before the Office,
    (ii) In connection with any particular patent or patent 
application,
    (iii) In which said employee participated personally and 
substantially as an employee of the Office; and
    (2) To not knowingly act within two years after terminating 
employment by the Office as agent or attorney for, or otherwise 
represent any other person:
    (i) Before the Office,
    (ii) In connection with any particular patent or patent 
application,
    (iii) If such patent or patent application was pending under the 
employee's official responsibility as an officer or employee within a 
period of one year prior to the termination of such responsibility.

0
11. Revise Sec.  11.11 to read as follows:


Sec.  11.11   Administrative suspension, inactivation, resignation, 
reinstatement, and revocation.

    (a) Contact information. (1) A registered practitioner, or person 
granted limited recognition under Sec.  11.9(b), must notify the OED 
Director of the postal address for their office, at least one and up to 
three email addresses where they receive email, and a business 
telephone number, as well as every change to each of said addresses and 
telephone number within thirty days of the date of the change. A 
registered practitioner, or person granted limited recognition under 
Sec.  11.9(b), shall, in addition to any notice of change of address 
and telephone number filed in individual patent applications, 
separately file written notice of the change of address or telephone 
number with the OED Director. A registered practitioner, or person 
granted limited recognition under Sec.  11.9(b), who is an attorney in 
good standing with the bar of the highest court of one or more states 
shall provide the OED Director with the identification number 
associated with each bar membership. The OED Director shall publish a 
list containing the name, postal business addresses, business telephone 
number, registration number or limited recognition number, and 
registration status as an attorney or agent of each registered 
practitioner, or person granted limited recognition under Sec.  
11.9(b), recognized to practice before the Office in patent matters. 
The OED Director may also publish the continuing legal education 
certification status of each registered practitioner, or person granted 
limited recognition under Sec.  11.9(b).
    (2) Biennially, registered practitioners and persons granted 
limited recognition may be required to file a registration statement 
with the OED Director for the purpose of ascertaining whether such 
practitioner desires to remain in an active status. Any registered 
practitioner, or person granted limited recognition under Sec.  
11.9(b), failing to file the registration statement or give any 
information requested by the OED Director within a time limit specified 
shall be subject to administrative suspension under paragraph (b) of 
this section.
    (3)(i) A registered practitioner, or person granted limited 
recognition under Sec.  11.9(b), who has completed, in the past 24 
months, five hours of continuing legal education credits in patent law 
and practice and one hour of continuing legal education credit in 
ethics, may certify such completion to the OED Director.
    (ii) A registered practitioner, or person granted limited 
recognition under Sec.  11.9(b), may earn up to two of the five hours 
of continuing legal education credit in patent law and practice by 
providing patent pro bono legal services through the USPTO Patent Pro 
Bono Program. One hour of continuing legal education credit in patent 
law and practice may be earned for every three hours of patent pro bono 
legal service.
    (b) Administrative suspension. (1) Whenever it appears that a 
registered practitioner, or person granted limited recognition under 
Sec.  11.9(b), has failed to comply with paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section, the OED Director shall publish and send a notice to the 
registered practitioner, or person granted limited recognition, 
advising of the noncompliance, the consequence of being 
administratively suspended set forth in paragraph (b)(6) of this 
section if noncompliance is not timely remedied, and the requirements 
for reinstatement under paragraph (f) of this section. The notice shall 
be published and sent to the registered practitioner, or person granted 
limited recognition, by mail to the last postal address furnished under 
paragraph (a) of this section or by email addressed to the last email 
address furnished under paragraph (a) of this section. The notice shall 
demand compliance and payment of a delinquency fee set forth in Sec.  
1.21(a)(9)(i) of this chapter within 60 days after the date of such 
notice.
    (2) In the event a practitioner fails to comply with the 
requirements specified in a notice provided pursuant to paragraph 
(b)(1) of this section within the time allowed, the OED Director shall 
publish and send to the practitioner a notice to show cause why the 
practitioner should not be administratively suspended. Such notice 
shall be sent in the same manner as set forth in paragraph (b)(1) of 
this section. The OED Director shall file a copy of the notice to show 
cause with the USPTO Director.
    (3) A practitioner to whom a notice to show cause under this 
section has been issued shall be allowed 30 days from the date of the 
notice to show cause to file a response with the USPTO Director. The 
response should address any factual and legal bases why the 
practitioner should not be administratively suspended. The practitioner 
shall serve the OED Director with a copy of the response at the time it 
is filed with the USPTO Director. Within 10 days of receiving a copy of 
the response, the OED Director may file a reply with the USPTO 
Director. A copy of the reply by the OED Director shall be sent to the 
practitioner at the practitioner's address of record. If the USPTO 
Director determines that there are no genuine issues of material fact 
regarding the Office's compliance with the notice requirements under 
this section or the failure of the practitioner to pay the requisite 
fees, the USPTO Director shall enter an order administratively 
suspending the practitioner. Otherwise, the USPTO Director shall enter 
an appropriate order dismissing the notice to show cause. Any request 
for reconsideration of the USPTO Director's decision must be filed 
within 20 days after the date such decision is rendered by the USPTO 
Director. Nothing herein shall permit an administratively suspended 
practitioner to seek a stay of the suspension during the pendency of 
any review of the USPTO Director's final decision. If, prior to the 
USPTO Director entering an order under this section, the OED Director 
determines that a practitioner has complied with requirements specified 
in the notice to

[[Page 28456]]

show cause, the OED Director may withdraw the notice to show cause, and 
the practitioner will not be administratively suspended.
    (4) [Reserved]
    (5) A practitioner is subject to investigation and discipline for 
his or her conduct prior to, during, or after the period he or she was 
administratively suspended.
    (6) A practitioner is prohibited from practicing before the Office 
in patent matters while administratively suspended. A practitioner who 
knows he or she has been administratively suspended is subject to 
discipline for failing to comply with the provisions of this paragraph 
and shall comply with the provisions of Sec.  11.116.
    (7) An administratively suspended practitioner may request 
reinstatement by complying with paragraph (f)(1) of this section.
    (c) Administrative inactivation. (1) Any registered practitioner 
who shall become employed by the Office shall comply with Sec.  11.116 
for withdrawal from all patent, trademark, and other non-patent matters 
wherein he or she represents an applicant or other person, and notify 
the OED Director in writing of said employment on the first day of said 
employment. The name of any registered practitioner employed by the 
Office shall be endorsed on the register as administratively inactive. 
Upon separation from the Office, an administratively inactive 
practitioner may request reactivation by complying with paragraph 
(f)(2) of this section.
    (2) Any registered practitioner who is a judge of a court of 
record, full-time court commissioner, U.S. bankruptcy judge, U.S. 
magistrate judge, or a retired judge who is eligible for temporary 
judicial assignment and is not engaged in the practice of law may 
request, in writing, that his or her name be endorsed on the register 
as administratively inactive. Upon acceptance of the request, the OED 
Director shall endorse the name of the practitioner as administratively 
inactive. Following separation from the bench, the practitioner may 
request reactivation by complying with paragraph (f)(2) of this 
section.
    (3) An administratively inactive practitioner remains subject to 
the provisions of the USPTO Rules of Professional Conduct and to 
proceedings and sanctions under Sec. Sec.  11.19 through 11.58 for 
conduct that violates a provision of the USPTO Rules of Professional 
Conduct prior to or during such administrative inactivity.
    (d) Voluntary inactivation. (1) Any registered practitioner may 
voluntarily enter inactive status by filing a request, in writing, that 
his or her name be endorsed on the roster as voluntarily inactive. Upon 
acceptance of the request, the OED Director shall endorse the name as 
voluntarily inactive.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (3) A registered practitioner who seeks or enters into voluntary 
inactive status is subject to investigation and discipline for his or 
her conduct prior to, during, or after the period of his or her 
inactivation.
    (4) [Reserved]
    (5) A registered practitioner in voluntary inactive status is 
prohibited from practicing before the Office in patent cases while in 
voluntary inactive status. A registered practitioner in voluntary 
inactive status will be subject to discipline for failing to comply 
with the provisions of this paragraph. Upon acceptance of the request 
for voluntary inactive status, the practitioner must comply with the 
provisions of Sec.  11.116.
    (6) Any registered practitioner whose name has been endorsed as 
voluntarily inactive pursuant to paragraph (d)(1) of this section and 
is not under investigation and not subject to a disciplinary proceeding 
may be restored to active status on the register as may be appropriate, 
provided that the practitioner files a written request for restoration, 
a completed application for registration on a form supplied by the OED 
Director furnishing all requested information and material, including 
information and material pertaining to the practitioner's moral 
character and reputation under Sec.  11.7(a)(2)(i) during the period of 
inactivation, a declaration or affidavit attesting to the fact that the 
practitioner has read the most recent revisions of the patent laws and 
the rules of practice before the Office, and pays the fees set forth in 
Sec.  1.21(a)(7)(iii) and (iv) of this subchapter.
    (e) Resignation. A registered practitioner or a practitioner 
recognized under Sec.  11.14(c) may request to resign by notifying the 
OED Director in writing of such intent, unless such practitioner is 
under investigation under Sec.  11.22 for a possible violation of the 
USPTO Rules of Professional Conduct, is a practitioner against whom 
probable cause has been found by a panel of the Committee on Discipline 
under Sec.  11.23(b), or is a respondent in a pending proceeding 
instituted under Sec.  11.24, Sec.  11.25, or Sec.  11.29. Upon 
acceptance in writing by the OED Director of such request, that 
practitioner shall no longer be eligible to practice before the Office 
in patent matters but shall continue to file a change of address for 
five years thereafter in order that he or she may be located in the 
event information regarding the practitioner's conduct comes to the 
attention of the OED Director or any grievance is made about his or her 
conduct while he or she engaged in practice before the Office. The name 
of any practitioner whose resignation is accepted shall be endorsed as 
resigned, and notice thereof published in the Official Gazette. Upon 
acceptance of the resignation by the OED Director, the practitioner 
must comply with the provisions of Sec.  11.116. A practitioner is 
subject to investigation and discipline for his or her conduct that 
occurred prior to, during, or after the period of his or her 
resignation.
    (f) Administrative reinstatement. (1)(i) Any administratively 
suspended registered practitioner, or person granted limited 
recognition under Sec.  11.9(b), may be reinstated provided the 
practitioner:
    (A) Is not the subject of a disciplinary investigation or a party 
to a disciplinary proceeding;
    (B) Has applied for reinstatement on an application form supplied 
by the OED Director;
    (C) Has demonstrated good moral character and reputation and 
competence in advising and assisting patent applicants in the 
presentation and prosecution of their applications before the Office;
    (D) Has submitted a declaration or affidavit attesting to the fact 
that the practitioner has read the most recent revisions of the patent 
laws and the rules of practice before the Office;
    (E) Has paid the fees set forth in Sec.  1.21(a)(9)(ii) of this 
chapter; and
    (F) Has paid all applicable delinquency fees as set forth in Sec.  
1.21(a)(9)(i) of this chapter.
    (ii) Any administratively suspended registered practitioner, or 
person granted limited recognition, who applies for reinstatement more 
than five years after the effective date of the administrative 
suspension, additionally shall be required to file a petition to the 
OED Director requesting reinstatement and providing objective evidence 
that they continue to possess the necessary legal qualifications to 
render valuable service to patent applicants.
    (2)(i) A practitioner who has been administratively inactivated 
pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section may be reactivated after his 
or her employment with the Office ceases or his or her employment in a 
judicial capacity ceases, provided the following is filed with the OED 
Director:
    (A) A completed application for reactivation on a form supplied by 
the OED Director;
    (B) A data sheet;

[[Page 28457]]

    (C) A signed written undertaking required by Sec.  11.10(b); and
    (D) The fee set forth in Sec.  1.21(a)(9)(ii) of this chapter.
    (ii) Administratively inactive practitioners who have been 
separated from the Office or have ceased to be employed in a judicial 
capacity for five or more years prior to filing a complete application 
for reactivation shall be required to provide objective evidence that 
they continue to possess the necessary legal qualifications to render 
valuable service to patent applicants.
    (3)(i) Any registered practitioner who has been endorsed as 
resigned pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section may be reinstated on 
the register provided the practitioner:
    (A) Is not the subject of a disciplinary investigation or a party 
to a disciplinary proceeding;
    (B) Has applied for reinstatement on an application form supplied 
by the OED Director;
    (C) Has demonstrated good moral character and reputation and 
competence in advising and assisting patent applicants in the 
presentation and prosecution of their applications before the Office;
    (D) Has submitted a declaration or affidavit attesting to the fact 
that the practitioner has read the most recent revisions of the patent 
laws and the rules of practice before the Office;
    (E) Has paid the fees set forth in Sec.  1.21(a)(9)(ii) of this 
chapter; and
    (F) Has paid all applicable delinquency fees as set forth in Sec.  
1.21(a)(9)(i) of this chapter.
    (ii) Any resigned registered practitioner who applies for 
reinstatement more than five years after the effective date of the 
resignation additionally shall be required to file a petition to the 
OED Director requesting reinstatement and providing objective evidence 
that they continue to possess the necessary legal qualifications to 
render valuable service to patent applicants.
    (g) Administrative revocation. (1) The USPTO Director may revoke an 
individual's registration or limited recognition if:
    (i) The registration or limited recognition was issued through 
mistake or inadvertence, or
    (ii) The individual's application for registration or limited 
recognition contains materially false information or omits material 
information.
    (2) Whenever it appears that grounds for administrative revocation 
exist, the OED Director shall issue to the individual a notice to show 
cause why the individual's registration or limited recognition should 
not be revoked.
    (i) The notice to show cause shall be served on the individual in 
the same manner as described in Sec.  11.35.
    (ii) The notice to show cause shall state the grounds for the 
proposed revocation.
    (iii) The OED Director shall file a copy of the notice to show 
cause with the USPTO Director.
    (3) Within 30 days after service of the notice to show cause, the 
individual may file a response to the notice to show cause with the 
USPTO Director. The response should address any factual or legal bases 
why the individual's registration or limited recognition should not be 
revoked. The individual shall serve the OED Director with a copy of the 
response at the time it is filed with the USPTO Director. Within 10 
days of receiving a copy of the response, the OED Director may file a 
reply with the USPTO Director. A copy of the reply by the OED Director 
shall be sent to the individual at the individual's address of record.
    (4) If the USPTO Director determines that there are no genuine 
issues of material fact regarding the Office's compliance with the 
notice requirements under this section or the grounds for the notice to 
show cause, the USPTO Director shall enter an order revoking the 
individual's registration or limited recognition. Otherwise, the USPTO 
Director shall enter an appropriate order dismissing the notice to show 
cause. An oral hearing will not be granted unless so ordered by the 
USPTO Director, upon a finding that such hearing is necessary. Any 
request for reconsideration of the USPTO Director's decision must be 
filed within 20 days after the date such decision is rendered by the 
USPTO Director. Nothing herein shall permit an individual to seek a 
stay of the revocation during the pendency of any review of the USPTO 
Director's final decision.

0
12. Amend Sec.  11.18 by revising paragraph (c)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  11.18   Signature and certificate for correspondence filed in the 
Office.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) Referring a practitioner's conduct to the Director of the 
Office of Enrollment and Discipline for appropriate action;
* * * * *

0
13. Amend Sec.  11.19 by revising the section heading and paragraphs 
(a), (b)(1)(ii), and (c), and adding paragraph (e), to read as follows:


Sec.  11.19   Disciplinary jurisdiction; grounds for discipline and for 
transfer to disability inactive status.

    (a) Disciplinary jurisdiction. All practitioners engaged in 
practice before the Office; all practitioners administratively 
suspended under Sec.  11.11; all practitioners registered or recognized 
to practice before the Office in patent matters; all practitioners 
resigned, inactivated, or in emeritus status under Sec.  11.11; all 
practitioners authorized under Sec.  41.5(a) or 42.10(c) of this 
chapter; and all practitioners transferred to disability inactive 
status or publicly disciplined by a duly constituted authority are 
subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Office and subject to 
being transferred to disability inactive status. A non-practitioner is 
also subject to the disciplinary authority of the Office if the person 
engages in or offers to engage in practice before the Office without 
proper authority.
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) Discipline on ethical or professional misconduct grounds 
imposed in another jurisdiction or disciplinary disqualification from 
participating in or appearing before any Federal program or agency;
* * * * *
    (c) Petitions to disqualify a practitioner in ex parte or inter 
partes matters in the Office are not governed by this subpart and will 
be handled on a case-by-case basis under such conditions as the USPTO 
Director deems appropriate.
* * * * *
    (e) The OED Director has the discretion to choose any of the 
independent grounds of discipline under paragraph (b) of this section 
and to pursue any of the procedures set forth in this subpart in every 
disciplinary proceeding.

0
14. Amend Sec.  11.20 by revising paragraphs (a)(4) and (c) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  11.20   Disciplinary sanctions; Transfer to disability inactive 
status.

    (a) * * *
    (4) Probation. Probation may be imposed in lieu of or in addition 
to any other disciplinary sanction. The conditions of probation shall 
be stated in the order imposing probation. Violation of any condition 
of probation shall be cause for imposition of the disciplinary 
sanction. Imposition of the disciplinary sanction predicated upon 
violation of probation shall occur only after a notice to show cause 
why the disciplinary sanction should not be

[[Page 28458]]

imposed is resolved adversely to the practitioner.
* * * * *
    (c) Transfer to disability inactive status. As set forth in Sec.  
11.29, the USPTO Director, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, 
may transfer a practitioner to disability inactive status where grounds 
exist to believe the practitioner has been transferred to disability 
inactive status in another jurisdiction, has been judicially declared 
incompetent, has been judicially ordered to be involuntarily committed 
after a hearing on the grounds of incompetency or disability, or has 
been placed by court order under guardianship or conservatorship.

0
15. Revise Sec.  11.21 to read as follows:


Sec.  11.21   Warnings.

    A warning is neither public nor a disciplinary sanction. The OED 
Director may conclude an investigation with the issuance of a warning. 
The warning shall contain a statement of facts and identify the USPTO 
Rules of Professional Conduct relevant to the facts.

0
16. Amend Sec.  11.22 by adding paragraph (c) and by revising 
paragraphs (g) and (h) to read as follows:


Sec.  11.22   Disciplinary investigations.

* * * * *
    (c) Notice to the OED Director. Upon receiving the notification 
required by Sec.  11.24(a), 11.25(a), or 11.29(a), the OED Director 
shall obtain a certified copy of the record or order regarding such 
discipline, disqualification, conviction, or transfer. A certified copy 
of the record or order regarding the discipline, disqualification, 
conviction, or transfer shall be clear and convincing evidence that the 
practitioner has been disciplined, disqualified, convicted of a crime, 
or transferred to disability status by another jurisdiction.
* * * * *
    (g) Where the OED Director makes a request under paragraph (f)(2) 
of this section to a Contact Member of the Committee on Discipline, 
such Contact Member shall not, with respect to the practitioner 
connected to the OED Director's request, participate in the Committee 
on Discipline panel that renders a probable cause determination under 
Sec.  11.23(b) concerning such practitioner.
    (h) Disposition of investigation. Upon the conclusion of an 
investigation, the OED Director may take appropriate action, including 
but not limited to:
    (1) Closing the investigation without issuing a warning or taking 
disciplinary action;
    (2) Issuing a warning to the practitioner;
    (3) Instituting formal charges upon the approval of the Committee 
on Discipline; or
    (4) Entering into a settlement agreement with the practitioner and 
submitting the same for approval of the USPTO Director.
* * * * *

0
17. Amend Sec.  11.24 by revising paragraphs (a), (b) introductory 
text, (d)(1) introductory text, and (e) to read as follows:


Sec.  11.24   Reciprocal discipline.

    (a) Notice to the OED Director. Within 30 days of being publicly 
censured, publicly reprimanded, subjected to probation, disbarred or 
suspended by another jurisdiction, or disciplinarily disqualified from 
participating in or appearing before any Federal program or agency, a 
practitioner subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Office 
shall notify the OED Director in writing of the same. A practitioner is 
deemed to be disbarred if he or she is disbarred, is excluded on 
consent, or has resigned in lieu of discipline or a disciplinary 
proceeding. Upon receiving notification from any source or otherwise 
learning that a practitioner subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction 
of the Office has been publicly censured, publicly reprimanded, 
subjected to probation, disbarred, suspended, or disciplinarily 
disqualified, the OED Director shall obtain a certified copy of the 
record or order regarding the public censure, public reprimand, 
probation, disbarment, suspension, or disciplinary disqualification. A 
certified copy of the record or order regarding the discipline shall 
establish a prima facie case by clear and convincing evidence that the 
practitioner has been publicly censured, publicly reprimanded, 
subjected to probation, disbarred, suspended, or disciplinarily 
disqualified by another jurisdiction. In addition to the actions 
identified in Sec.  11.22(h) and (i), the OED Director may, without 
Committee on Discipline authorization, file with the USPTO Director a 
complaint complying with Sec.  11.34 against the practitioner 
predicated upon the public censure, public reprimand, probation, 
disbarment, suspension, or disciplinary disqualification. The OED 
Director may request the USPTO Director to issue a notice and order as 
set forth in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (b) Notification served on practitioner. Upon receipt of the 
complaint and request for notice and order, the USPTO Director shall 
issue a notice directed to the practitioner in accordance with Sec.  
11.35 and to the OED Director containing:
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (1) The USPTO Director shall hear the matter on the documentary 
record unless the USPTO Director determines that an oral hearing is 
necessary. The USPTO Director may order the OED Director or the 
practitioner to supplement the record with further information or 
argument. After expiration of the period specified in paragraph (b)(3) 
of this section, the USPTO Director shall consider the record and shall 
impose the identical public censure, public reprimand, probation, 
disbarment, suspension, or disciplinary disqualification unless the 
practitioner demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence, and the 
USPTO Director finds there is a genuine issue of material fact that:
* * * * *
    (e) Adjudication in another jurisdiction or Federal agency or 
program. In all other respects, a final adjudication, regardless of the 
evidentiary standard, in another jurisdiction or Federal agency or 
program that a practitioner, whether or not admitted in that 
jurisdiction, has committed misconduct shall establish a prima facie 
case by clear and convincing evidence that the practitioner has engaged 
in misconduct under Sec.  11.804(h).
* * * * *

0
18. Amend Sec.  11.25 by revising paragraphs (a), (b)(2) introductory 
text, (b)(3), and (e)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  11.25   Interim suspension and discipline based upon conviction 
of committing a serious crime.

    (a) Notice to the OED Director. Upon being convicted of a crime in 
a court of the United States, any State, or a foreign country, a 
practitioner subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Office 
shall notify the OED Director in writing of the same within 30 days 
from the date of such conviction. Notwithstanding the preceding 
sentence, a practitioner is not required to notify the OED Director of 
a traffic offense that did not involve the use of alcohol or a 
controlled substance, did not result in a fine in excess of $300, and 
did not result in the imposition of any other punishment. Upon being 
advised or learning that a practitioner subject to the disciplinary 
jurisdiction of the Office has been convicted of a crime, the OED 
Director shall make a preliminary determination whether the crime 
constitutes a serious crime warranting interim suspension. If the

[[Page 28459]]

crime is a serious crime, the OED Director may file with the USPTO 
Director proof of the conviction and request the USPTO Director to 
issue a notice and order set forth in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. 
The OED Director may, in addition, without Committee on Discipline 
authorization, file with the USPTO Director a complaint complying with 
Sec.  11.34 against the practitioner predicated upon the conviction of 
a serious crime. If the crime is not a serious crime, the OED Director 
may process the matter in the same manner as any other information or 
evidence of a possible violation of any USPTO Rule of Professional 
Conduct coming to the attention of the OED Director.
    (b) * * *
    (2) Notification served on practitioner. Upon receipt of a 
certified copy of the court record, docket entry, or judgment 
demonstrating that the practitioner has been so convicted, together 
with the complaint, the USPTO Director shall issue a notice directed to 
the practitioner in accordance with Sec.  11.35, and to the OED 
Director, containing:
* * * * *
    (3) Hearing and final order on request for interim suspension. The 
request for interim suspension shall be heard by the USPTO Director on 
the documentary record unless the USPTO Director determines that the 
practitioner's response establishes by clear and convincing evidence a 
genuine issue of material fact that: The crime did not constitute a 
serious crime, the practitioner is not the person who committed the 
crime, or the conviction was so lacking in notice or opportunity to be 
heard as to constitute a deprivation of due process. The USPTO Director 
may order the OED Director or the practitioner to supplement the record 
with further information or argument. If the USPTO Director determines 
that there is no genuine issue of material fact, the USPTO Director 
shall enter an appropriate final order regarding the OED Director's 
request for interim suspension regardless of the pendency of any 
criminal appeal. If the USPTO Director is unable to make such 
determination because there is a genuine issue of material fact, the 
USPTO Director shall enter a final order dismissing the request and 
enter a further order referring the complaint to a hearing officer for 
a hearing and entry of an initial decision in accordance with the other 
rules in this part and directing the practitioner to file an answer to 
the complaint in accordance with Sec.  11.36.
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (2) Following conviction of a serious crime. Any practitioner 
convicted of a serious crime and disciplined in whole or in part in 
regard to that conviction, may petition for reinstatement under the 
conditions set forth in Sec.  11.60 no earlier than after completion of 
service of his or her sentence, or after completion of service under 
probation or parole, whichever is later.
* * * * *

0
19. Amend Sec.  11.27 by revising paragraph (b) and by removing and 
reserving paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  11.27   Exclusion on consent.

* * * * *
    (b) Action by the USPTO Director. Upon receipt of the required 
affidavit, the OED Director shall file the affidavit and any related 
papers with the USPTO Director for review and approval. The USPTO 
Director may order the OED Director or the practitioner to supplement 
the record with further information or argument. The OED Director may 
also file comments in response to the affidavit. If the affidavit is 
approved, the USPTO Director will enter an order excluding the 
practitioner on consent and providing other appropriate actions. Upon 
entry of the order, the excluded practitioner shall comply with the 
requirements set forth in Sec.  11.58.
    (c) [Reserved]
* * * * *

0
20. Amend Sec.  11.28 by revising paragraphs (a)(1) introductory text, 
(a)(1)(i)(D) and (E), and (a)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  11.28   Incapacitated practitioners in a disciplinary proceeding.

    (a) * * * (1) Practitioner's motion. In the course of a 
disciplinary proceeding under Sec.  11.32, the practitioner may file a 
motion requesting the hearing officer to enter an order holding such 
proceeding in abeyance based on the contention that the practitioner is 
suffering from a disability or addiction that makes it impossible for 
the practitioner to adequately defend the charges in the disciplinary 
proceeding.
    (i) * * *
    (D) Written consent by the practitioner to be transferred to 
disability inactive status if the motion is granted; and
    (E) Written agreement by the practitioner not to practice before 
the Office in patent, trademark, or other non-patent matters while in 
disability inactive status.
* * * * *
    (2) Disposition of practitioner's motion. The hearing officer shall 
decide the motion and any response thereto. The motion shall be granted 
upon a showing of good cause to believe the practitioner to be 
incapacitated as alleged. If the required showing is made, the hearing 
officer shall enter an order holding the disciplinary proceeding in 
abeyance. In the case of addiction to drugs or intoxicants, the order 
may provide that the practitioner will not be returned to active status 
absent satisfaction of specified conditions. Upon receipt of the order, 
the OED Director shall transfer the practitioner to disability inactive 
status, give notice to the practitioner, cause notice to be published, 
and give notice to appropriate authorities in the Office that the 
practitioner has been placed in disability inactive status. The 
practitioner shall comply with the provisions of Sec.  11.58 and shall 
not engage in practice before the Office in patent, trademark, and 
other non-patent law until a determination is made of the 
practitioner's capability to resume practice before the Office in a 
proceeding under paragraph (c) or (d) of this section. A practitioner 
in disability inactive status must obtain permission from the OED 
Director to engage in paralegal activity permitted under Sec.  
11.58(h). Permission will be granted only if the practitioner has 
complied with all the conditions of Sec.  11.58 applicable to 
disability inactive status. In the event that permission is granted, 
the practitioner shall fully comply with the provisions of Sec.  
11.58(h).
* * * * *

0
21. Amend Sec.  11.29 by revising paragraphs (a), (b), (d), (g), and 
(i) to read as follows:


Sec.  11.29   Reciprocal transfer or initial transfer to disability 
inactive status.

    (a) Notice to the OED Director--(1) Transfer to disability inactive 
status in another jurisdiction as grounds for reciprocal transfer by 
the Office. Within 30 days of being transferred to disability inactive 
status in another jurisdiction, a practitioner subject to the 
disciplinary jurisdiction of the Office shall notify the OED Director 
in writing of the transfer. Upon notification from any source that a 
practitioner subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Office has 
been transferred to disability inactive status in another jurisdiction, 
the OED Director shall obtain a certified copy of the order. If the OED 
Director finds that transfer to disability inactive status is 
appropriate, the OED Director shall file with the USPTO Director:
    (i) The order;
    (ii) A request that the practitioner be transferred to disability 
inactive status,

[[Page 28460]]

including the specific grounds therefor; and
    (iii) A request that the USPTO Director issue a notice and order as 
set forth in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (2) Involuntary commitment, adjudication of incompetency, or court 
ordered placement under guardianship or conservatorship as grounds for 
initial transfer to disability inactive status. Within 30 days of being 
judicially declared incompetent, judicially ordered to be involuntarily 
committed after a hearing on the grounds of incompetency or disability, 
or placed by court order under guardianship or conservatorship in 
another jurisdiction, a practitioner subject to the disciplinary 
jurisdiction of the Office shall notify the OED Director in writing of 
such judicial action. Upon notification from any source that a 
practitioner subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Office has 
been subject to such judicial action, the OED Director shall obtain a 
certified copy of the order. If the OED Director finds that transfer to 
disability inactive status is appropriate, the OED Director shall file 
with the USPTO Director:
    (i) The order;
    (ii) A request that the practitioner be transferred to disability 
inactive status, including the specific grounds therefor; and
    (iii) A request that the USPTO Director issue a notice and order as 
set forth in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (b) Notice served on practitioner. Upon receipt of a certified copy 
of an order or declaration issued by another jurisdiction demonstrating 
that a practitioner subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of the 
Office has been transferred to disability inactive status, judicially 
declared incompetent, judicially ordered to be involuntarily committed 
after a judicial hearing on the grounds of incompetency or disability, 
or placed by court order under guardianship or conservatorship, 
together with the OED Director's request, the USPTO Director shall 
issue a notice, comporting with Sec.  11.35, directed to the 
practitioner containing:
    (1) A copy of the order or declaration from the other jurisdiction;
    (2) A copy of the OED Director's request; and
    (3) An order directing the practitioner to file a response with the 
USPTO Director and the OED Director, within 40 days from the date of 
the notice, establishing by clear and convincing evidence a genuine 
issue of material fact supported by an affidavit and predicated upon 
the grounds set forth in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (d)(1)(iv) of 
this section that a transfer to disability inactive status would be 
unwarranted and the reasons therefor.
* * * * *
    (d) Transfer to disability inactive status. (1) The request for 
transfer to disability inactive status shall be heard by the USPTO 
Director on the documentary record unless the USPTO Director determines 
that there is a genuine issue of material fact, in which case the USPTO 
Director may deny the request. The USPTO Director may order the OED 
Director or the practitioner to supplement the record with further 
information or argument. After expiration of the period specified in 
paragraph (b)(3) of this section, and after completion of any 
supplemental hearings, the USPTO Director shall consider any timely 
filed response and impose the identical transfer to disability inactive 
status based on the practitioner's transfer to disability status in 
another jurisdiction or shall transfer the practitioner to disability 
inactive status based on judicially declared incompetence, judicially 
ordered involuntary commitment on the grounds of incompetency or 
disability, or court-ordered placement under guardianship or 
conservatorship, unless the practitioner demonstrates by clear and 
convincing evidence, and the USPTO Director finds there is a genuine 
issue of material fact that:
    (i) The procedure was so lacking in notice or opportunity to be 
heard as to constitute a deprivation of due process;
    (ii) There was such infirmity of proof establishing the transfer to 
disability status, judicial declaration of incompetence, judicial order 
for involuntary commitment on the grounds of incompetency or 
disability, or placement by court order under guardianship or 
conservatorship that the USPTO Director could not, consistent with the 
Office's duty, accept as final the conclusion on that subject;
    (iii) The imposition of the same disability status or transfer to 
disability status by the USPTO Director would result in grave 
injustice; or
    (iv) The practitioner is not the individual transferred to 
disability status, judicially declared incompetent, judicially ordered 
for involuntary commitment on the grounds of incompetency or 
disability, or placed by court order under guardianship or 
conservatorship.
    (2) If the USPTO Director determines that there is no genuine issue 
of material fact with regard to any of the elements of paragraphs 
(d)(1)(i) through (d)(1)(iv) of this section, the USPTO Director shall 
enter an appropriate final order. If the USPTO Director is unable to 
make that determination because there is a genuine issue of material 
fact, the USPTO Director shall enter an appropriate order dismissing 
the OED Director's request for such reason.
* * * * *
    (g) Order imposing reciprocal transfer to disability inactive 
status or order imposing initial transfer to disability inactive 
status. An order by the USPTO Director imposing reciprocal transfer to 
disability inactive status or transferring a practitioner to disability 
inactive status shall be effective immediately and shall be for an 
indefinite period until further order of the USPTO Director. A copy of 
the order transferring a practitioner to disability inactive status 
shall be served upon the practitioner, the practitioner's guardian, 
and/or the director of the institution to which the practitioner has 
been committed in the manner the USPTO Director may direct. A 
practitioner reciprocally transferred or transferred to disability 
inactive status shall comply with the provisions of this section and 
Sec.  11.58 and shall not engage in practice before the Office in 
patent, trademark, and other non-patent law unless and until reinstated 
to active status.
* * * * *
    (i) Employment of practitioners on disability inactive status. A 
practitioner in disability inactive status must obtain permission from 
the OED Director to engage in paralegal activity permitted under Sec.  
11.58(h). Permission will be granted only if the practitioner has 
complied with all the conditions of Sec.  11.58 applicable to 
disability inactive status. In the event that permission is granted, 
the practitioner shall fully comply with the provisions of Sec.  
11.58(h).
* * * * *

0
22. Amend Sec.  11.34 by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  11.34   Complaint.

* * * * *
    (c) The complaint shall be filed in the manner prescribed by the 
USPTO Director. The term ``filed'' means the delivery, mailing, or 
electronic transmission of a document to a hearing officer or designee 
in connection with a disciplinary complaint or related matter.
* * * * *

0
23. Revise Sec.  11.35 to read as follows:


Sec.  11.35   Service of complaint.

    (a) A complaint may be served on a respondent by any of the 
following methods:
    (1) By delivering a copy of the complaint personally to the 
respondent, in which case the individual who

[[Page 28461]]

delivers the complaint to the respondent shall file an affidavit with 
the OED Director indicating the time and place the complaint was 
delivered to the respondent.
    (2) By mailing a copy of the complaint by Priority Mail 
Express[supreg], first-class mail, or any delivery service that 
provides confirmation of delivery or attempted delivery to:
    (i) A respondent who is a registered practitioner at the address 
provided to OED pursuant to Sec.  11.11, or
    (ii) A respondent who is not registered at the last address for the 
respondent known to the OED Director.
    (3) By any method mutually agreeable to the OED Director and the 
respondent.
    (4) In the case of a respondent who resides outside the United 
States, by sending a copy of the complaint by any delivery service that 
provides the ability to confirm delivery or attempted delivery, to:
    (i) A respondent who is a registered practitioner at the address 
provided to OED pursuant to Sec.  11.11; or
    (ii) A respondent who is not registered at the last address for the 
respondent known to the OED Director.
    (b) If a copy of the complaint cannot be delivered to the 
respondent through any one of the procedures in paragraph (a) of this 
section, the OED Director shall serve the respondent by causing an 
appropriate notice to be published in the Official Gazette for two 
consecutive weeks, in which case the time for filing an answer shall be 
30 days from the second publication of the notice. Failure to timely 
file an answer will constitute an admission of the allegations in the 
complaint in accordance with Sec.  11.36(d), and the hearing officer 
may enter an initial decision on default.
    (c) If the respondent is known to the OED Director to be 
represented by an attorney under Sec.  11.40(a), a copy of the 
complaint may be served on the attorney in lieu of service on the 
respondent in the manner provided for in paragraph (a) or (b) of this 
section.

0
24. Amend Sec.  11.39 by revising the section heading and paragraphs 
(a), (b), and (f) to read as follows:


Sec.  11.39   Hearing officer; responsibilities; review of 
interlocutory orders; stays.

    (a) Designation. A hearing officer designated by the USPTO Director 
shall conduct disciplinary proceedings as provided by this part.
    (b) Independence of the hearing officer. (1) A hearing officer 
designated in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section shall not 
be subject to first-level or second-level supervision by either the 
USPTO Director or OED Director or his or her designee.
    (2) A hearing officer designated in accordance with paragraph (a) 
of this section shall not be subject to supervision of the person(s) 
investigating or prosecuting the case.
    (3) A hearing officer designated in accordance with paragraph (a) 
of this section shall be impartial, shall not be an individual who has 
participated in any manner in the decision to initiate the proceedings, 
and shall not have been employed under the immediate supervision of the 
practitioner.
    (4) A hearing officer designated in accordance with paragraph (a) 
of this section shall be either an administrative law judge appointed 
under 5 U.S.C. 3105 or an attorney designated under 35 U.S.C. 32. The 
hearing officer shall possess suitable experience and training in 
conducting hearings, reaching a determination, and rendering an initial 
decision in an equitable manner.
* * * * *
    (f) Stays pending review of interlocutory order. If the OED 
Director or a respondent seeks review of an interlocutory order of a 
hearing officer under paragraph (e)(2) of this section, any time period 
set by the hearing officer for taking action shall not be stayed unless 
ordered by the USPTO Director or the hearing officer.
* * * * *

0
25. Amend Sec.  11.40 by revising paragraph (b) and by adding paragraph 
(c) to read as follows:


Sec.  11.40   Representative for OED Director or respondent.

* * * * *
    (b) The Deputy General Counsel for Intellectual Property and 
Solicitor and attorneys in the Office of the Solicitor shall represent 
the OED Director. The attorneys representing the OED Director in 
disciplinary proceedings shall not consult with the USPTO Director, the 
General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel for General Law, or an 
individual designated by the USPTO Director to decide disciplinary 
matters regarding the proceeding.
    (c) The General Counsel and the Deputy General Counsel for General 
Law shall remain screened from the investigation and prosecution of all 
disciplinary proceedings in order that they shall be available as 
counsel to the USPTO Director in deciding disciplinary proceedings 
unless access is appropriate to perform their duties. After a final 
decision is entered in a disciplinary proceeding, the OED Director and 
attorneys representing the OED Director shall be available to counsel 
the USPTO Director, the General Counsel, and the Deputy General Counsel 
for General Law in any further proceedings.

0
26. Amend Sec.  11.41 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  11.41   Filing of papers.

    (a) The provisions of Sec. Sec.  1.8 and 2.197 of this chapter do 
not apply to disciplinary proceedings. All papers filed after the 
complaint and prior to entry of an initial decision by the hearing 
officer shall be filed with the hearing officer at an address or place 
designated by the hearing officer. The term ``filed'' means the 
delivery, mailing, or electronic transmission of a document to a 
hearing officer or designee in connection with a disciplinary complaint 
or related matter.
* * * * *

0
27. Revise Sec.  11.43 to read as follows:


Sec.  11.43   Motions before a hearing officer.

    Motions, including all prehearing motions commonly filed under the 
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, shall be served on the opposing party 
and filed with the hearing officer. Each motion shall be accompanied by 
a written memorandum setting forth a concise statement of the facts and 
supporting reasons, along with a citation of the authorities upon which 
the movant relies. Unless extended by the tribunal for good cause, an 
opposing party shall serve and file a memorandum in response to the 
motion within 21 days of the date of service of the motion, and the 
moving party may file a reply memorandum within 14 days after service 
of the opposing party's responsive memorandum. All memoranda shall be 
double-spaced and written in 12-point font unless otherwise ordered by 
the hearing officer. Every motion must include a statement that the 
moving party or attorney for the moving party has conferred with the 
opposing party or attorney for the opposing party in a good-faith 
effort to resolve the issues raised by the motion and whether the 
motion is opposed. If, prior to a decision on the motion, the parties 
resolve issues raised by a motion presented to the hearing officer, the 
parties shall promptly notify the hearing officer.

0
28. Amend Sec.  11.44 by revising paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  11.44   Hearings.

    (a) The hearing officer shall preside over hearings in disciplinary 
proceedings. After the time for filing an answer has elapsed, the 
hearing officer shall set the time and place for the hearing. In cases 
involving an incarcerated respondent, any necessary

[[Page 28462]]

oral hearing may be held at the location of incarceration. Oral 
hearings will be stenographically recorded and transcribed, and the 
testimony of witnesses will be received under oath or affirmation. The 
hearing officer shall conduct the hearing as if the proceeding were 
subject to 5 U.S.C. 556. A copy of the transcript of the hearing shall 
become part of the record. A copy of the transcript shall be provided 
to the OED Director and the respondent at the expense of the Office.
    (b) If the respondent to a disciplinary proceeding fails to appear 
at the hearing after a notice of hearing has been issued by the hearing 
officer, the hearing officer may deem the respondent to have waived the 
opportunity for a hearing and may proceed with the hearing in the 
absence of the respondent. Where the respondent does not appear, the 
hearing officer may strike the answer or any other pleading, deem the 
respondent to have admitted the facts as alleged in the complaint, 
receive evidence in aggravation or mitigation, enter a default 
judgment, and/or enter an initial decision imposing discipline on the 
respondent.
* * * * *

0
29. Amend Sec.  11.50 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  11.50   Evidence.

    (a) Rules of evidence. The rules of evidence prevailing in courts 
of law and equity are not controlling in hearings in disciplinary 
proceedings. However, the hearing officer shall exclude evidence that 
is irrelevant, immaterial, speculative, or unduly repetitious.
* * * * *

0
30. Revise Sec.  11.51 to read as follows:


Sec.  11.51   Depositions.

    (a) Depositions for use at the hearing in lieu of the personal 
appearance of a witness before the hearing officer may be taken by the 
respondent or the OED Director by agreement; or upon a showing of good 
cause and with the approval of, and under such conditions as may be 
deemed appropriate by, the hearing officer. If a motion to take a 
deposition is granted, the hearing officer shall authorize a subpoena 
to be issued pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 24. If the deponent is a USPTO 
employee, the respondent shall comply with the requirements of part 104 
of this chapter.
    (b) A party seeking a deposition shall give reasonable notice of 
not less than 14 days unless a shorter period is agreed upon by the 
parties or authorized by the hearing officer. The notice shall state 
the date, time, and place of the deposition.
    (c) Depositions may be taken upon oral or written questions before 
any officer authorized to administer an oath or affirmation in the 
place where the deposition is to be taken. Deposition expenses shall be 
borne by the party at whose instance the deposition is taken.
    (d) When a deposition is taken upon written questions, copies of 
the written questions will be served upon the other party with the 
notice, and copies of any written cross-questions will be served by 
hand or Priority Mail Express[supreg] not less than five days before 
the date of the taking of the deposition unless the parties mutually 
agree otherwise.
    (e) Testimony by deposition may be recorded by audiovisual means 
provided that:
    (1) The notice of deposition states that the method of recording is 
audiovisual, and
    (2) A written transcript of the deposition is prepared by a court 
reporter who was present at the deposition and recorded the testimony.
    (f) A party on whose behalf a deposition is taken shall file with 
the hearing officer a copy of a transcript of the deposition signed by 
a court reporter and a copy of any audiovisual recording and shall 
serve one copy of the transcript and any audiovisual recording upon the 
opposing party.
    (g) Depositions may not be taken to obtain discovery, except as 
provided for in paragraph (h) of this section.
    (h) When the OED Director and the respondent agree in writing, a 
discovery deposition of any witness who will appear voluntarily may be 
taken under such terms and conditions as may be mutually agreeable to 
the OED Director and the respondent. The deposition shall not be filed 
with the hearing officer and may not be admitted into evidence before 
the hearing officer unless he or she orders the deposition admitted 
into evidence. The admissibility of the deposition shall lie within the 
discretion of the hearing officer, who may reject the deposition on any 
reasonable basis, including the fact that demeanor is involved and that 
the witness should have been called to appear personally before the 
hearing officer.

0
31. Revise Sec.  11.52 to read as follows:


Sec.  11.52   Written discovery.

    (a) After an answer is filed under Sec.  11.36, a party may seek 
written discovery of only relevant evidence. The party seeking written 
discovery shall file a motion under Sec.  11.43 explaining in detail, 
for each request made, how the discovery sought is reasonable and 
relevant to an issue actually raised in the complaint or the answer. 
The motion shall include a copy of the proposed written discovery 
requests. Any response shall include specific objections to each 
request, if any. Any objection not raised in the response will be 
deemed to have been waived.
    (b) If the hearing officer concludes that the proposed written 
discovery is reasonable and relevant, the hearing officer, under such 
conditions as he or she deems appropriate, may order an opposing party, 
within 30 days, or longer if so ordered by the hearing officer, to:
    (1) Answer a reasonable number of requests for admission, including 
requests for admission as to the genuineness of documents;
    (2) Answer a reasonable number of interrogatories;
    (3) Produce for inspection and copying a reasonable number of 
documents; and
    (4) Produce for inspection a reasonable number of things other than 
documents.
    (c) Discovery shall not be authorized under paragraph (a) of this 
section of any matter that:
    (1) Will be used by another party solely for impeachment;
    (2) Is not available to the party under 35 U.S.C. 122;
    (3) Relates to any other disciplinary proceeding before the Office;
    (4) Relates to experts;
    (5) Is privileged; or
    (6) Relates to mental impressions, conclusions, opinions, or legal 
theories of any attorney or other representative of a party.
    (d) The hearing officer may deny discovery requested under 
paragraph (a) of this section if the discovery sought:
    (1) Will unduly delay the disciplinary proceeding;
    (2) Will place an undue burden on the party required to produce the 
discovery sought; or
    (3) Consists of information that is available:
    (i) Generally to the public,
    (ii) Equally to the parties, or
    (iii) To the party seeking the discovery through another source.
    (e) A request for admission will be deemed admitted if the party to 
whom the request is directed fails to respond or object to the request 
within the time allowed.
    (f) The hearing officer may require parties to file and serve, 
prior to any hearing, a pre-hearing statement that contains:
    (1) A list (together with a copy) of all proposed exhibits to be 
used in connection with a party's case-in-chief;
    (2) A list of proposed witnesses;
    (3) As to each proposed expert witness:

[[Page 28463]]

    (i) An identification of the field in which the individual will be 
qualified as an expert,
    (ii) A statement as to the subject matter on which the expert is 
expected to testify,
    (iii) A complete statement of all opinions to which the expert is 
expected to testify and the basis and reasons for them, and
    (iv) A description of all facts or data considered by the expert in 
forming the opinions; and
    (4) Copies of memoranda reflecting the respondent's own statements 
to administrative representatives.

0
32. Revise Sec.  11.53 to read as follows:


Sec.  11.53   Proposed findings and conclusions; post-hearing 
memorandum.

    (a) Except in cases in which the respondent has failed to answer 
the complaint or the amended complaint, or appear at a hearing, the 
hearing officer, prior to making an initial decision, shall afford the 
parties a reasonable opportunity to submit proposed findings and 
conclusions and a post-hearing memorandum in support of the proposed 
findings and conclusions.
    (b) The OED Director shall serve and file a post-hearing memorandum 
within 30 days after the hearing transcript has been filed with the 
hearing officer. The respondent shall have 30 days after service of the 
OED Director's post-hearing memorandum to file a responsive post-
hearing memorandum. The OED Director may file a reply memorandum within 
21 days after service of any responsive post-hearing memorandum.
    (c) The respondent shall serve and file a post-hearing memorandum 
with respect to any asserted affirmative defenses, or other matters for 
which the respondent bears the burden of proof, within 30 days after 
the hearing transcript has been filed with the hearing officer. The OED 
Director shall have 30 days after service of the respondent's post-
hearing memorandum to file a responsive post-hearing memorandum. The 
respondent may file a reply memorandum within 21 days after service of 
any responsive post-hearing memorandum.
    (d) The OED Director's and the respondent's responsive post-hearing 
memoranda shall be limited to 50 pages, 12-point font, double-spacing, 
and one-inch margins, and the reply memoranda shall be limited to 25 
pages, 12-point font, double-spacing, and one-inch margins, unless 
otherwise ordered by the hearing officer.
    (e) The hearing officer may extend the time for filing a post-
hearing memorandum and may also increase the page limits, for good 
cause shown.

0
33. Revise Sec.  11.54 to read as follows:


Sec.  11.54   Initial decision of hearing officer.

    (a) The hearing officer shall make an initial decision in the case. 
The decision will include:
    (1) A statement of findings of fact and conclusions of law, as well 
as the reasons or bases for those findings and conclusions with 
specific references to the record, upon all the material issues of 
fact, law, or discretion presented on the record; and
    (2) An order of default judgment, of suspension or exclusion from 
practice, of reprimand, of probation, or an order dismissing the 
complaint. The order also may impose any conditions deemed appropriate 
under the circumstances.
    (b) The initial decision of the hearing officer shall explain the 
reason for any default judgment, reprimand, suspension, exclusion, or 
probation and shall explain any conditions imposed with discipline. In 
determining any sanction, the following four factors shall be 
considered if they are applicable:
    (1) Whether the practitioner has violated a duty owed to a client, 
the public, the legal system, or the profession;
    (2) Whether the practitioner acted intentionally, knowingly, or 
negligently;
    (3) The amount of the actual or potential injury caused by the 
practitioner's misconduct; and
    (4) The existence of any aggravating or mitigating factors.
    (c) The hearing officer shall transmit a copy of the initial 
decision to the OED Director and to the respondent and shall transmit 
the record of the proceeding to the OED Director within 14 days, or as 
soon as practicable if thereafter, of the date of the initial decision.
    (d) In the absence of an appeal to the USPTO Director, the decision 
of the hearing officer will, without further proceedings, become the 
final decision of the USPTO Director 30 days from the date of the 
decision of the hearing officer.

0
34. Revise Sec.  11.55 to read as follows:


Sec.  11.55   Appeal to the USPTO Director.

    (a) Within 14 days after the date of the initial decision of the 
hearing officer under Sec. Sec.  11.25 or 11.54, either party may 
appeal to the USPTO Director by filing a notice of appeal. The notice 
shall be filed with the General Counsel for the USPTO Director at the 
address set forth in Sec.  1.1(a)(3)(iv) of this chapter and served on 
the opposing party. If both parties file notices of appeal, the first 
to file is deemed the appellant for purposes of this rule. If both file 
on the same day, the respondent is deemed the appellant.
    (b) Any notice of cross-appeal shall be filed within 14 days after 
the date of service of the notice of appeal.
    (c) After a notice of appeal is filed, the OED Director shall 
transmit the entire record to the USPTO Director and provide a copy to 
the respondent.
    (d) The appellant's brief shall be filed within 30 days after the 
date of service of the record.
    (e) Any appellee's brief shall be filed within 30 days after the 
date of service of the appellant's brief.
    (f) The appellant's and appellee's briefs shall comply with the 
Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure 28(a)(2), (3), (5), (10), and 
32(a)(4)-(7) unless otherwise ordered by the USPTO Director.
    (g) Any reply brief shall be filed within 14 days after the date of 
service of the appellee's brief and, unless otherwise ordered by the 
USPTO Director, shall comply with Rules 28(c) and 32(a)(4)-(7) of the 
Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure.
    (h) If a cross-appeal has been filed, the parties shall comply with 
Rules 28.1(c), (e), and (f) of the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure 
unless otherwise ordered by the USPTO Director.
    (i) References to the record in the briefs must be to the pages of 
the certified record.
    (j) An appeal or cross-appeal must include exceptions to the 
decisions of the hearing officer and supporting reasons for those 
exceptions. Any exception not raised will be deemed to have been waived 
and will be disregarded by the USPTO Director in reviewing the initial 
decision.
    (k) The USPTO Director may refuse entry of a nonconforming brief.
    (l) The USPTO Director will decide the appeal on the record made 
before the hearing officer.
    (m) Unless the USPTO Director permits, no further briefs or motions 
shall be filed. The USPTO Director may extend the time for filing a 
brief upon the granting of a motion accompanied by a supporting 
affidavit setting forth good cause warranting the extension.
    (n) The USPTO Director may order reopening of a disciplinary 
proceeding in accordance with the principles that govern the granting 
of new trials. Any request to reopen a disciplinary proceeding on the 
basis of newly discovered evidence must demonstrate that the newly 
discovered evidence could not have been discovered any earlier by due 
diligence.
    (o) Motions shall be served on the opposing party and filed with 
the USPTO Director. Each motion shall be

[[Page 28464]]

accompanied by a written memorandum setting forth a concise statement 
of the facts and supporting reasons, along with a citation of the 
authorities upon which the movant relies. Unless extended by the USPTO 
Director for good cause, within 21 days of the date of service of the 
motion, an opposing party shall serve and file a response to the 
motion, and the moving party may file a reply within 14 days after 
service of the opposing party's responsive memorandum. All memoranda 
shall comply with Rules 32(a)(4)-(6) of the Federal Rules of Appellate 
Procedure unless otherwise ordered by the USPTO Director. Every motion 
must include a statement that the moving party or attorney for the 
moving party has conferred with the opposing party or attorney for the 
opposing party in a good faith effort to resolve the issues raised by 
the motion and whether the motion is opposed. If, prior to a decision 
on the motion, the parties resolve issues raised by a motion presented 
to the USPTO Director, the parties shall promptly notify the USPTO 
Director.

0
35. Amend Sec.  11.56 by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  11.56   Decision of the USPTO Director.

* * * * *
    (c) The respondent or the OED Director may make a single request 
for reconsideration or modification of the decision by the USPTO 
Director if filed within 20 days from the date of entry of the 
decision. The other party may file a response to the request for 
reconsideration within 14 days of the filing of the request. No request 
for reconsideration or modification shall be granted unless the request 
is based on newly discovered evidence or clear error of law or fact, 
and the requestor must demonstrate that any newly discovered evidence 
could not have been discovered any earlier by due diligence. Such a 
request shall have the effect of staying the effective date of the 
order of discipline in the final decision. The decision by the USPTO 
Director is effective on its date of entry.

0
36. Revise Sec.  11.57 to read as follows:


Sec.  11.57   Review of final decision of the USPTO Director.

    (a) Review of the final decision by the USPTO Director in a 
disciplinary case may be had by a petition filed in accordance with 35 
U.S.C. 32. Any such petition shall be filed within 30 days after the 
date of the final decision.
    (b) The respondent must serve the USPTO Director with the petition. 
The respondent must serve the petition in accordance with Rule 4 of the 
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Sec.  104.2 of this chapter.
    (c) Except as provided for in Sec.  11.56(c), an order for 
discipline in a final decision will not be stayed except on proof of 
exceptional circumstances.

0
37. Revise Sec.  11.58 to read as follows:


Sec.  11.58   Duties of disciplined practitioner or practitioner in 
disability inactive status.

    (a) Compliance requirements. An excluded or suspended practitioner 
will not be automatically reinstated at the end of his or her period of 
exclusion or suspension. Unless otherwise ordered by the USPTO 
Director, an excluded or suspended practitioner must comply with the 
provisions of this section and Sec.  11.60 to be reinstated. A 
practitioner transferred to disability inactive status must comply with 
the provisions of this section and Sec.  11.29 to be reinstated unless 
otherwise ordered by the USPTO Director. Failure to comply with the 
provisions of this section may constitute grounds for denying 
reinstatement and cause for further action.
    (b) Practice prohibitions. Any excluded or suspended practitioner, 
or practitioner transferred to disability inactive status, shall:
    (1) Not engage in practice before the Office in patent, trademark, 
or other non-patent matters;
    (2) Not advertise or otherwise hold himself or herself out as 
authorized or able to practice before the Office; and
    (3) Take all necessary steps to remove any advertisements or other 
representations that would reasonably suggest that the practitioner is 
authorized or able to practice before the Office.
    (c) Thirty-day requirements. Within 30 days after the date of the 
order of exclusion, suspension, or transfer to disability inactive 
status, an excluded or suspended practitioner, or practitioner 
transferred to disability inactive status, shall:
    (1) Withdraw from representation in all matters pending before the 
Office;
    (2) Provide written notice of the order of exclusion, suspension, 
or transfer to disability inactive status to all State and Federal 
jurisdictions and administrative agencies to which the practitioner is 
admitted to practice;
    (3) Provide to all clients having immediate or prospective business 
before the Office in patent, trademark, or other non-patent matters:
    (i) Written notice of the order of exclusion, suspension, or 
transfer to disability inactive status, that calls attention to the 
practitioner's lack of authority to act as a practitioner after the 
effective date of the order; specifies any urgent dates for the 
client's matters; and advises the client to act promptly to seek legal 
advice elsewhere if the client is not already represented by another 
practitioner;
    (ii) Any papers or other property to which the clients are 
entitled, or schedule a suitable time and place where the papers and 
other property may be obtained, and call attention to any urgency for 
obtaining the papers or other property; and
    (iii) Any unearned fees for practice before the Office and any 
advanced costs not expended;
    (4) Provide written notice of the order of exclusion, suspension, 
or transfer to disability inactive status to all opposing parties in 
matters pending before the Office and provide in the notice a mailing 
address for each client of the practitioner who is a party in the 
pending matter; and
    (5) Serve all notices required by paragraphs (c)(2), (c)(3), and 
(c)(4) of this section by certified mail, return receipt requested, 
unless the intended recipient is located outside the United States. 
Where the intended recipient is located outside the United States, all 
notices shall be sent by a delivery service that provides the ability 
to confirm delivery or attempted delivery.
    (d) Forty-five-day requirements. Within 45 days after the date of 
the order of exclusion, suspension, or transfer to disability inactive 
status, an excluded or suspended practitioner, or practitioner 
transferred to disability inactive status, shall file with the OED 
Director an affidavit of compliance certifying that the practitioner 
has fully complied with the provisions of the order, with this section, 
and with Sec.  11.116 for withdrawal from representation. Appended to 
the affidavit of compliance shall be:
    (1) A copy of each form of notice; the names and addresses of the 
clients, practitioners, courts, and agencies to which notices were 
sent; and all return receipts or returned mail received up to the date 
of the affidavit. Supplemental affidavits shall be filed covering 
subsequent return receipts and returned mail. Such names and addresses 
of clients shall remain confidential unless otherwise ordered by the 
USPTO Director;
    (2) A schedule showing the location, title, and account number of 
every account in which the practitioner holds, or held as of the entry 
date of the order, any client, trust, or fiduciary funds for practice 
before the Office;
    (3) A schedule describing, and evidence showing, the practitioner's 
disposition of all client and fiduciary funds for practice before the 
Office in the practitioner's possession, custody,

[[Page 28465]]

or control as of the date of the order or thereafter;
    (4) A list of all State, Federal, and administrative jurisdictions 
to which the practitioner is admitted to practice; and
    (5) A description of the steps taken to remove any advertisements 
or other representations that would reasonably suggest that the 
practitioner is authorized to practice patent, trademark, or other non-
patent law before the Office.
    (e) Requirement to update correspondence address. An excluded or 
suspended practitioner, or a practitioner transferred to disability 
inactive status, shall continue to file a statement in accordance with 
Sec.  11.11 regarding any change of residence or other address to which 
communications may thereafter be directed.
    (f) Limited recognition for winding up practice. Unless otherwise 
provided by an order of the USPTO Director, an excluded or suspended 
practitioner, or practitioner transferred to disability inactive 
status, shall not engage in any practice before the Office. The USPTO 
Director may grant such a practitioner limited recognition for a period 
of no more than 30 days to conclude work on behalf of a client on any 
matters pending before the Office. If such work cannot be concluded, 
the practitioner shall so advise the client so that the client may make 
other arrangements.
    (g) Required records. An excluded or suspended practitioner, or 
practitioner transferred to disability inactive status, shall retain 
copies of all notices sent and maintain records of the various steps 
taken under this section. The practitioner shall provide proof of 
compliance as a condition precedent to the granting of any petition for 
reinstatement.
    (h) Aiding another practitioner while suspended or excluded; acting 
as a paralegal. An excluded or suspended practitioner, or practitioner 
in disability inactive status, may act as a paralegal for a supervising 
practitioner or perform other services for the supervising practitioner 
that are normally performed by laypersons, provided:
    (1) The practitioner is under the direct supervision of the 
supervising practitioner;
    (2) The practitioner is a salaried employee of:
    (i) The supervising practitioner,
    (ii) The supervising practitioner's law firm, or
    (iii) A client-employer who employs the supervising practitioner as 
a salaried employee;
    (3) The supervising practitioner assumes full professional 
responsibility to any client and the Office for any work performed by 
the practitioner for the supervising practitioner; and
    (4) The practitioner does not:
    (i) Communicate directly in writing, orally, or otherwise with a 
client, or prospective client, of the supervising practitioner in 
regard to any immediate or prospective business before the Office;
    (ii) Render any legal advice or any legal services in regard to any 
immediate or prospective business before the Office; or
    (iii) Meet in person with, regardless of the presence of the 
supervising practitioner:
    (A) Any Office employee in connection with the prosecution of any 
patent, trademark, or other matter before the Office;
    (B) Any client, or prospective client, of the supervising 
practitioner, the supervising practitioner's law firm, or the client-
employer of the supervising practitioner regarding immediate or 
prospective business before the Office; or
    (C) Any witness or potential witness whom the supervising 
practitioner, the supervising practitioner's law firm, or the 
supervising practitioner's client-employer may, or intends to, call as 
a witness in any proceeding before the Office. The term ``witness'' 
includes individuals who will testify orally in a proceeding before, or 
sign an affidavit or any other document to be filed in, the Office.
    (i) Reinstatement after aiding another practitioner while suspended 
or excluded. When an excluded or suspended practitioner, or 
practitioner transferred to disability inactive status, acts as a 
paralegal or performs services under paragraph (h) of this section, the 
practitioner shall not thereafter be reinstated to practice before the 
Office unless:
    (1) The practitioner has filed with the OED Director an affidavit 
that:
    (i) Explains in detail the precise nature of all paralegal or other 
services performed by the practitioner, and
    (ii) Shows by clear and convincing evidence that the practitioner 
has complied with the provisions of this section and all USPTO Rules of 
Professional Conduct; and
    (2) The supervising practitioner has filed with the OED Director a 
written statement that:
    (i) States that the supervising practitioner has read the affidavit 
required by paragraph (i)(1) of this section and that the supervising 
practitioner believes every statement in the affidavit to be true, and
    (ii) States that the supervising practitioner believes that the 
excluded or suspended practitioner, or practitioner transferred to 
disability inactive status, has complied with paragraph (h) of this 
section.

0
38. Revise Sec.  11.60 to read as follows:


Sec.  11.60   Petition for reinstatement of disciplined practitioner.

    (a) Restrictions on practice. An excluded or suspended practitioner 
shall not resume the practice of patent, trademark, or other non-patent 
matters before the Office until reinstated.
    (b) Petition for reinstatement for excluded or suspended 
practitioners. An excluded or suspended practitioner shall be eligible 
to petition for reinstatement only upon expiration of the period of 
suspension or exclusion and the practitioner's full compliance with 
Sec.  11.58. An excluded practitioner shall be eligible to petition for 
reinstatement no earlier than five years from the effective date of the 
exclusion.
    (c) Review of reinstatement petition. An excluded or suspended 
practitioner shall file a petition for reinstatement accompanied by the 
fee required by Sec.  1.21(a)(10) of this chapter. The petition for 
reinstatement shall be filed with the OED Director. A practitioner who 
has violated any provision of Sec.  11.58 shall not be eligible for 
reinstatement until a continuous period of the time in compliance with 
Sec.  11.58 that is equal to the period of suspension or exclusion has 
elapsed. If the excluded or suspended practitioner is not eligible for 
reinstatement, or if the OED Director determines that the petition is 
insufficient or defective on its face, the OED Director may dismiss the 
petition. Otherwise, the OED Director shall consider the petition for 
reinstatement. The excluded or suspended practitioner seeking 
reinstatement shall have the burden of proving, by clear and convincing 
evidence, that:
    (1) The excluded or suspended practitioner has the good moral 
character and reputation, competency, and learning in law required 
under Sec.  11.7 for admission;
    (2) The resumption of practice before the Office will not be 
detrimental to the administration of justice or subversive to the 
public interest; and
    (3) The practitioner, if suspended, has complied with the 
provisions of Sec.  11.58 for the full period of suspension or, if 
excluded, has complied with the provisions of Sec.  11.58 for at least 
five continuous years.
    (d) Petitions for reinstatement--Action by the OED Director 
granting reinstatement. (1) If the excluded or

[[Page 28466]]

suspended practitioner is found to have complied with paragraphs (c)(1) 
through (c)(3) of this section, the OED Director shall enter an order 
of reinstatement that shall be conditioned on payment of the costs of 
the disciplinary proceeding to the extent set forth in paragraphs 
(d)(2) and (d)(3) of this section.
    (2) Payment of costs of disciplinary proceedings. Prior to 
reinstatement to practice under this section, the excluded or suspended 
practitioner shall pay the costs of the disciplinary proceeding. The 
costs imposed pursuant to this section include all of the following:
    (i) The actual expense incurred by the OED Director or the Office 
for the original and copies of any reporter's transcripts of the 
disciplinary proceeding and any fee paid for the services of the 
reporter;
    (ii) All expenses paid by the OED Director or the Office that would 
qualify as taxable costs recoverable in civil proceedings; and
    (iii) The charges determined by the OED Director to be ``reasonable 
costs'' of investigation, hearing, and review. These amounts shall 
serve to defray the costs, other than fees for services of attorneys 
and experts, of the Office of Enrollment and Discipline in the 
preparation or hearing of the disciplinary proceeding and costs 
incurred in the administrative processing of the disciplinary 
proceeding.
    (3) A practitioner may only be granted relief from an order 
assessing costs under this section, whether in whole or in part or by 
grant of an extension of time to pay these costs, upon grounds of 
hardship, special circumstances, or other good cause at the discretion 
of the OED Director.
    (e) Petitions for reinstatement--Action by the OED Director denying 
reinstatement. If the excluded or suspended practitioner is found unfit 
to resume practice before the Office, the OED Director shall first 
provide the excluded or suspended practitioner with an opportunity to 
show cause in writing why the petition should not be denied. If 
unpersuaded by the showing, the OED Director shall deny the petition. 
In addition to the reinstatement provisions set forth in this section, 
the OED Director may require the excluded or suspended practitioner, in 
meeting the requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this section, to take 
and pass the registration examination; attend ethics, substance abuse, 
or law practice management courses; and/or take and pass the Multistate 
Professional Responsibility Examination.
    (f) Right to review. An excluded or suspended practitioner 
dissatisfied with a final decision of the OED Director regarding his or 
her reinstatement may seek review by the USPTO Director pursuant to 
Sec.  11.2(d).
    (g) Resubmission of petitions for reinstatement. If a petition for 
reinstatement is denied, no further petition for reinstatement may be 
filed until the expiration of at least one year following the denial 
unless the order of denial provides otherwise.
    (h) Reinstatement proceedings open to public. (1) Proceedings on 
any petition for reinstatement shall be open to the public. Before 
reinstating any excluded or suspended practitioner, the OED Director 
shall publish a notice that such practitioner seeks reinstatement and 
shall permit the public a reasonable opportunity to comment or submit 
evidence regarding such matter.
    (2) Up to 90 days prior to the expiration of the period of 
suspension or exclusion, a practitioner may file a written notice of 
his or her intent to seek reinstatement with the OED Director and may 
request that such notice be published. In the absence of such a 
request, notice of a petition for reinstatement will be published upon 
receipt of such petition.

0
39. Revise Sec.  11.106 to read as follows:


Sec.  11.106   Confidentiality of information.

    (a) A practitioner shall not reveal information relating to the 
representation of a client unless the client gives informed consent, 
the disclosure is impliedly authorized in order to carry out the 
representation, the disclosure is permitted by paragraph (b) of this 
section, or the disclosure is required by paragraph (c) of this 
section.
    (b) A practitioner may reveal information relating to the 
representation of a client to the extent the practitioner reasonably 
believes necessary:
    (1) To prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm;
    (2) To prevent the client from engaging in inequitable conduct 
before the Office or from committing a crime or fraud that is 
reasonably certain to result in substantial injury to the financial 
interests or property of another and in furtherance of which the client 
has used or is using the practitioner's services;
    (3) To prevent, mitigate, or rectify substantial injury to the 
financial interests or property of another that is reasonably certain 
to result or has resulted from the client's commission of a crime, 
fraud, or inequitable conduct before the Office in furtherance of which 
the client has used the practitioner's services;
    (4) To secure legal advice about the practitioner's compliance with 
the USPTO Rules of Professional Conduct;
    (5) To establish a claim or defense on behalf of the practitioner 
in a controversy between the practitioner and the client, to establish 
a defense to a criminal charge or civil claim against the practitioner 
based upon conduct in which the client was involved, or to respond to 
allegations in any proceeding concerning the practitioner's 
representation of the client;
    (6) To comply with other law or a court order; or
    (7) To detect and resolve conflicts of interest arising from the 
practitioner's change of employment or from changes in the composition 
or ownership of a firm, but only if the revealed information would not 
compromise the practitioner-client privilege or otherwise prejudice the 
client.
    (c) A practitioner shall disclose to the Office information 
necessary to comply with applicable duty of disclosure provisions.
    (d) A practitioner shall make reasonable efforts to prevent the 
inadvertent or unauthorized disclosure of, or unauthorized access to, 
information relating to the representation of a client.

0
40. Amend Sec.  11.118 by revising paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  11.118   Duties to prospective client.

    (a) A person who consults with a practitioner about the possibility 
of forming a client-practitioner relationship with respect to a matter 
is a prospective client.
    (b) Even when no client-practitioner relationship ensues, a 
practitioner who has learned information from a prospective client 
shall not use or reveal that information, except as Sec.  11.109 would 
permit with respect to information of a former client.
* * * * *

0
41. Revise Sec.  11.702 to read as follows:


Sec.  11.702   Communications concerning a practitioner's services: 
specific rules.

    (a) A practitioner may communicate information regarding the 
practitioner's services through any medium.
    (b) A practitioner shall not compensate, give, or promise anything 
of value to a person for recommending the practitioner's services, 
except that a practitioner may:
    (1) Pay the reasonable costs of advertisements or communications 
permitted by this section;

[[Page 28467]]

    (2) Pay the usual charges of a legal service plan or a not-for-
profit or qualified practitioner referral service;
    (3) Pay for a law practice in accordance with Sec.  11.117;
    (4) Refer clients to another practitioner or a non-practitioner 
professional pursuant to an agreement not otherwise prohibited under 
the USPTO Rules of Professional Conduct that provides for the other 
person to refer clients or customers to the practitioner, if:
    (i) The reciprocal referral agreement is not exclusive, and
    (ii) The client is informed of the existence and nature of the 
agreement; and
    (5) Give nominal gifts as an expression of appreciation that are 
neither intended nor reasonably expected to be a form of compensation 
for recommending a practitioner's services.
    (c) A practitioner shall not state or imply that he or she is 
certified as a specialist in a particular field of law, unless:
    (1) The practitioner has been certified as a specialist by an 
organization that has been approved by an appropriate authority of a 
State or that has been accredited by the American Bar Association, and
    (2) The name of the certifying organization is clearly identified 
in the communication.
    (d) Any communication made under this section must include the name 
and contact information of at least one practitioner or law firm 
responsible for its content.

0
42. Revise Sec.  11.703 to read as follows:


Sec.  11.703   Solicitation of clients.

    (a) ``Solicitation'' or ``solicit'' denotes a communication 
initiated by or on behalf of a practitioner or law firm that is 
directed to a specific person the practitioner knows or reasonably 
should know needs legal services in a particular matter and that offers 
to provide, or reasonably can be understood as offering to provide, 
legal services for that matter.
    (b) A practitioner shall not solicit professional employment by 
live person-to-person contact when a significant motive for the 
practitioner's doing so is the practitioner's or law firm's pecuniary 
gain, unless the contact is with a:
    (1) Practitioner;
    (2) Person who has a family, close personal, or prior business or 
professional relationship with the practitioner or law firm; or
    (3) Person who routinely uses for business purposes the type of 
legal services offered by the practitioner.
    (c) A practitioner shall not solicit professional employment even 
when not otherwise prohibited by paragraph (b) of this section, if:
    (1) The target of solicitation has made known to the practitioner a 
desire not to be solicited by the practitioner, or
    (2) The solicitation involves coercion, duress, or harassment.
    (d) This section does not prohibit communications authorized by law 
or ordered by a court or other tribunal.
    (e) Notwithstanding the prohibitions in this section, a 
practitioner may participate with a prepaid or group legal service plan 
operated by an organization not owned or directed by the practitioner 
that uses live person-to-person contact to enroll members or sell 
subscriptions for the plan from persons who are not known to need legal 
services in a particular matter covered by the plan.

0
43. Amend Sec.  11.704 by revising paragraph (e) to read as follows:


Sec.  11.704   Communication of fields of practice and specialization.

* * * * *
    (e) Individuals granted limited recognition may use the designation 
``Limited Recognition'' but may not hold themselves out as being 
registered.

0
44. Amend Sec.  11.804 by revising paragraphs (b) and (h) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  11.804   Misconduct.

* * * * *
    (b) Commit a criminal act that reflects adversely on the 
practitioner's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a practitioner 
in other respects, or be convicted of a crime that reflects adversely 
on the practitioner's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a 
practitioner in other respects;
* * * * *
    (h) Be publicly disciplined on ethical or professional misconduct 
grounds by any duly constituted authority of:
    (1) A State,
    (2) The United States, or
    (3) A country having disciplinary jurisdiction over the 
practitioner; or
* * * * *

Andrew Hirshfeld,
Commissioner for Patents, Performing the Functions and Duties of the 
Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of 
the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
[FR Doc. 2021-10528 Filed 5-25-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-16-P