Federal Register #2026-22193

USPTO seeks public comment on renewing DOCX patent-submission information collection

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is seeking public comment on renewing its DOCX patent-submission information collection. - Government buyer: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), within the U.S. Department of Commerce. The notice seeks review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). - Notice type: Information-collection renewal and public-comment notice, not a procurement or award. - Collection: Information collection 0651-0089, “DOCX Submission Requirements,” covering nonprovisional utility patent applications, including continuing applications. - Filing options: Applicants either spend an estimated additional 30 minutes submitting in DOCX format or pay the non-DOCX filing surcharge; the notice states these are alternatives, not cumulative requirements. - Estimated annual impact: 364,999 respondents and responses, 168,922 respondent burden hours, and $8,472,290 in non-hourly costs. - Requested input: Comments on whether the collection is necessary, the accuracy of burden estimates, the quality and usefulness of the information, and ways to reduce respondent burden. - Products, services, quantities, and vendors: No products or services are being solicited, and no OEMs or commercial vendors are identified.

Description

The USPTO is seeking OMB review and clearance to renew information collection 0651-0089, concerning DOCX Submission Requirements. The collection relates to the impacts of the non-DOCX filing surcharge and the additional time applicants may spend reviewing and submitting patent applications in DOCX format. It covers nonprovisional utility applications filed under 35 U.S.C. 111, including continuing applications. The notice invites public comments through November 30, 2026.

View original listing