Legal Processes

This collection covers information requirements related to civil actions and claims involving current or former employees of the USPTO. The rules under 37 CFR 104 outline procedures for service of process, demands for employee testimony and production of documents in legal proceedings, reports of unauthorized testimony, employee indemnification, and filing claims against the USPTO under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2672). The public may also petition the USPTO under 37 CFR 104.3 to waive or suspend the rules for legal processes in extraordinary situations. Current and former USPTO employees also use this collection to forward service and demands to the Office of General Counsel, report unauthorized testimony, and request indemnification.

The latest form for Legal Processes expires 2023-01-31 and can be found here.

Petition to Waive Rules

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