New fee structure likely to be enacted early next week

The new Patent and Trademark Office fee structure is likely to be enacted between Monday and Wednesday of next week (between December 6 and December 8).

H.R. 4818, the omnibus appropriations bill that carries the new Patent and Trademark Office fee structure, is being held at desk in the Senate, pending adoption by the House of a Resolution designed to eliminate an embarrassing provision relating to inspection of individual tax returns.  Congress is not likely to send the bill to the President for signature until this provision is eliminated.

The House is scheduled to reconvene on December 6 to vote on the resolution.  An extension of a continuing resolution to fund the government is in place until December 8.  As a result, the government has no operating funds after December 8 unless the appropriations bill is signed (although another continuing resolution could be adopted).

Accordingly, look for enactment of the bill and establishment of the new fees early next week.  Enjoy the old system this week while it lasts.