USPTO and Government Shutdown

There is a potential of a substantial government shutdown on Tuesday, October 1 when the new fiscal year begins without moneys being appropriated.  The Patent Office has more control over its budget than some agencies and has a reserve fund that can be spent without further appropriations. So, for patent filers, the USPTO will remain open for business for at least a few weeks. A parallel fiscal hurdle is expected to hit October 19 when the US government’s debt load will to reach its self-imposed ceiling.  At that point, the PTO would likely be severely required to restrict spending.