Puerto Rico/U.S. Trademark Updates Arising from COVID-19 Emergency Situation

By: Francisco Dox, Esq.

March 20, 2020

We refer to our prior Client Alerts discussing Executive Order No. 2020-23 issued by Governor Wanda Vázquez Garced on March 15, 2020 which established a mandatory closing of most commercial establishments and non-essential governmental services through March 30, 2020. Given this mandatory governmental closing, the Puerto Rico Department of State issued Circular Letter 2020-01 on March 19, 2020, which extends to April 15, 2020 all deadlines, expiration dates and other terms in pending matters before the Puerto Rico Trademark Office from March 18, 2020 through April 15, 2020.

As of the date of this Client Alert, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) has not extended or waived any deadlines or expiration dates related to trademark applications and registrations before it. However, the USPTO notified on March 16, 2020 that it considers the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak to be an “extraordinary situation” under applicable laws and regulations. As such, the USPTO may waive fees related to the revival of certain trademark applications and registrations when their abandonment or cancellation resulted from an inability to timely communicate with the USPTO due to the current outbreak.

Do not hesitate to contact us should you need assistance in tailoring your business’ response to this crisis. Our Firm will remain available to all our clients. Our attorneys are monitoring actions by the Federal Government, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and local municipalities as additional measures are put into place to mitigate and lessen the extent of this crisis. At Goldman Antonetti & Cordova LLC, we look forward to providing client-focused assistance on how to respond to current events to minimize negative effects on your business.

Goldman Antonetti & Cordóva, LLC stands ready to assist you and your business to adjust to Puerto Rico’s regulatory and legal changes. If you need further assistance in this area, please contact any of the following members of our firm (note that during this emergency, it will be easier for you to communicate with us through electronic mail, as provided below):

Disclaimer:

Although the information included in this document may concern legal issues, it is not a legal opinion or professional advice and clients shall not use it as such. We assume no responsibility or liability of any kind for any information contained herein, and we expressly disclaim all liability for any claim for damages arising from the use, reference to, or reliance on, such information. If legal or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

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