On April 1, 2016, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued amended rules related to post-issuance proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. The final rules are aimed at improving certain aspects of the post-issuance proceedings inter partes review, post-grant review, and the transitional program for covered business method patents. The amended rules take effect on May 2, 2016 and apply to all petitions filed on or after the effective date and to any ongoing preliminary proceeding before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.

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