Dennis Crouch
In a significant development likely affecting USPTO operations, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued detailed implementation guidance for President Trump's January 20, 2025 return-to-office mandate. The guidance provides strict timelines and requirements that could force dramatic changes at the USPTO, where remote work has been a cornerstone of operations for decades.
- OPM Return to Office Guidance Memorandum 1-22-25
- Dennis Crouch, Rocky Start for the USPTO under President Trump and Director Stewart, Patently-O (Jan 22, 2025)
- Dennis Crouch, USPTO Faces Twin Challenges: Return-to-Office Mandate and Hiring Freeze Could Significantly Impact Patent Operations, Patently-O (Jan 21, 2025)
The OPM memo, signed by Acting Director Charles Ezell, requires agencies to take immediate action, with initial steps due by January 24, 2025 (tomorrow).