The Impact of the Government Shutdown on the USPTO
As of now, the USPTO is operating on previously appropriated funds. Although the USPTO is self-funded via its fees, it cannot spend the money it takes in unless those funds have been appropriated. Therefore, when the current appropriated funds are depleted, the USPTO will cut back to minimal operation. It will receive filings but applications will not be examined.
As of January 24, 2019, the USPTO states “[b]ased on current estimates and expenditure rates, we expect our reserves to fund patent operations to last until at least the second week in February, and trademark operations to last until at least mid-April 2019.”
We will continue to keep you apprised of any new updates. Any questions, please reach out to
us at (973) 845-9071 or [email protected].
Access the USPTO Status directly at USPTO Status on Government Shutdown.