Monday IPDate April 21, 2025

USPTO to suspend expedited examination of design applications

As part of our efforts to combat fraud and to reduce pendency and inventory of unexamined design applications, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is suspending expedited examination of design applications effective April 17, 2025. Requests for expedited examination of design applications have surged by 560% in recent years, caused in large part by fraudulent applications.

> USPTO to suspend expedited examination of design applications

Philippines: New system for the declaration and registration of well-known marks launched

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) issued Memorandum Circular No. 2025-009 (“Circular”), or the Rules and Regulations for the Declaration and Creation of the Register of Well-Known Marks. The Circular takes effect on 28 April 2025. The Circular institutes a non-adversarial administrative process for the recognition of well-known marks. It also establishes a Register of Well-Known Marks.

> Philippines: New system for the declaration and registration of well-known marks launched