# Changes to Representation of Others Before the United States Patent and Trademark Office
> **US Patent and Trademark Office** · Final rule. · Published 2008-11-17 · Effective 2008-12-17 · 73 FR 67750
## Document
- **Document number:** E8-27208
- **Category:** uspto-patent
- **Sub-agency:** US Patent and Trademark Office
- **Federal Register citation:** 73 FR 67750
- **CFR reference:** 37 CFR 1
- **Publication date:** 2008-11-17
- **Effective date:** 2008-12-17
- **Commerce docket:** Docket No.: PTO-C-2005-0013
## Abstract

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office) is adopting new rules governing the conduct of individuals registered to practice before the Office. The Office is adopting a new rule that provides for an annual practitioner maintenance fee for those recognized to practice before the Office in patent cases. These changes will enable the Office to maintain a roster of registered practitioners and, consequently, better protect the public from unqualified practitioners. The Office is also making conforming amendments to 37 CFR 1.21.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2008/11/17/E8-27208/changes-to-representation-of-others-before-the-united-states-patent-and-trademark-office)
---
*AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*