The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced that, effective September 1, 2025, all hearings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) will require in-person attendance. This policy shift marks a departure from the remote hearing protocols implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the USPTO’s recent bulletin, hearings will be conducted at one of the agency’s offices, and parties are expected to appear in person unless they can demonstrate “good cause” for remote participation. The bulletin specifies that “good cause will generally be limited to circumstances such as financial hardship, medical emergencies, or other comparable obstacles to in-person attendance.” ([news.bloomberglaw.com](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/patent-office-requiring-in-person-hearings-starting-in-september?utm_source=openai))
This move follows earlier steps by the USPTO to reintegrate in-person proceedings. In March 2025, the agency mandated that PTAB judges conducting virtual hearings do so from a PTAB hearing room at a USPTO office, barring special circumstances. ([uspto.gov](https://www.uspto.gov/subscription-center/2025/update-patent-trial-and-appeal-board-hearings?utm_source=openai))
The transition back to in-person hearings has elicited varied reactions from the legal community. Former USPTO Director Kathi Vidal expressed concerns that requiring PTAB judges to return to the office could impact the board’s efficiency and its ability to meet decision timelines. ([ipwatchdog.com](https://ipwatchdog.com/2025/02/05/report-indicates-ptab-judges-will-soon-required-return-person-work/id%3D185638/?utm_source=openai))
Legal professionals and stakeholders are advised to prepare for this change by planning for in-person appearances and staying informed about any further updates from the USPTO regarding hearing procedures.