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ARTICLE · 29 JANUARY 2021

Trademark Modernization Act (2020) To Spur Changes To US Trademark Law

Oyen Wiggs Green & Mutala
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Near the end of 2020, the US passed a $900 billion COVID-19 stimulus bill, which received global news coverage. What received less news coverage was the IP provisions tucked in the 5,593-page bill.

CanadaIntellectual Property
Jayde Wood
Jayde Wood
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Near the end of 2020, the US passed a $900 billion COVID-19 stimulus bill, which received global news coverage. What received less news coverage was the IP provisions tucked in the 5,593-page bill. The bill includes the Trademark Modernization Act (2020), which was signed into law on 27 December 2020 and will come into force by 27 December 2021. The Modernization Act provides new procedures to challenge pending applications and registrations. Additionally, the Modernization Act will likely impact how trademark cases may be litigated. Some key points are summarized below and more information can be found on the resource page published recently by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

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