Monday IPDate December 16, 2024

USPTO, Patent Office Professional Association sign new collective bargaining agreement

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Patent Office Professional Association (POPA) have signed a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for the first time in more than 38 years. The CBA, which was last updated in 1986, sets a government-leading standard for federal government labor relations by guaranteeing pre-decisional involvement and labor-management collaboration.

> USPTO, Patent Office Professional Association sign new collective bargaining agreement

Important Update to Australia IP TM Checker Tool

TM Checker helps users discover if a word or logo is potentially available for trademark registration in Australia. It’s powered by an artificial intelligence-assisted check that gives an initial overview of how distinctive or similar a trademark might be. Following a successful pilot phase, the free tool has been moved from its former standalone site to our website, making it easier to find and use.

> Important Update to Australia IP TM Checker Tool