Examination updates and source materials

The USPTO will update the registration examination on October 13, 2020.  The examination will be blacked out as follows: no examination will be administered from October 6, 2020 through October 12, 2020. The updated examination will cover the subject matter designated as “BEGINNING OCTOBER 13, 2020” in the source materials, including the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP), Ninth Edition, Revision 08.2017.  Please be advised that the updated examination will additionally cover Amendments to the Rules of Practice for Trials Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (81 Fed. Reg. 18750, April 1, 2016) (allowing for testimonial evidence in a preliminary response to petition).  Up until October 6, 2020, however, the examination will cover the subject matter designated as “THROUGH OCTOBER 6, 2020” in the source materials.