The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced today that it has finalized a proposed rule expanding opportunities to practice before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). After considering comments received, the final rule will allow parties to proceed without separate backup counsel contingent upon a showing of good cause. However, the final rule scrapped a proposal to permit non-registered counsel admitted pro hac vice to serve as lead counsel in America Invents Act (AIA) proceedings.

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