Monday IPDate April 20, 2026

EPO introduces automated live captions in oral proceedings by VICO

The European Patent Office (EPO) is introducing automated real-time captions for oral proceedings by video conference (VICOs) to support equitable access for parties with hearing impairments. Parties in opposition proceedings can now request automated real-time captions for oral proceedings in Zoom to support users with hearing impairments.

> EPO introduces automated live captions in oral proceedings by VICO

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued new procedures in ex parte reexamination proceedings

On April 1, 2026, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued a new procedure for permitting a patent owner to provide information useful for the USPTO to make a determination of whether an ex parte request for reexamination establishes a substantial new question of patentability as required by 35 U.S.C. 303(a). The new process allows for patent owners to provide information on why an argued teaching(s) in a request for reexamination would not raise a substantial new question of patentability.

> The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued new procedures in ex parte reexamination proceedings