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's response to this crisis. Our Firm will continue to 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.