Following the conclusion of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) announced it was resuming operations on Thursday, November 13, 2025. The 43-day shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, had a significant impact on federal agencies, including those responsible for intellectual property (IP) protection.
The ITC, which plays a crucial role in adjudicating trade disputes and enforcing IP rights, had been largely inactive during the shutdown. The resumption of its activities is expected to address the backlog of cases that accumulated over the past six weeks.
Similarly, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) faced challenges during the shutdown. While the USPTO maintained limited operations using reserve funds, it was compelled to lay off approximately 1% of its workforce, affecting over 140 employees. These layoffs were part of a broader “reduction in force” strategy aimed at focusing on mission-critical operations. The agency also announced the permanent closure of its Denver satellite office, with most of its staff transitioning to remote work. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/us-patent-trademark-office-lay-off-1-its-workforce-agency-says-2025-10-01/?utm_source=openai))
The shutdown’s impact extended beyond IP agencies. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) experienced a halt in its day-to-day operations, including handling cases, union elections, and unfair labor practice investigations. This pause is expected to result in a backlog of union petitions and other cases, potentially delaying resolutions for employers and employees alike. ([hrdive.com](https://www.hrdive.com/news/how-government-shutdown-affects-hr-2025/761617/?utm_source=openai))
Economically, the shutdown imposed significant strain on an already stressed economy. Approximately 1.25 million federal workers missed paychecks, and more than 10,000 flights were canceled, impacting travel and consumer spending. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the shutdown could cost the economy between $7 billion and $14 billion, with a potential reduction of up to 2% in GDP for the fourth quarter. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/e1e1caa9f0aad753bb53c4f2ee4561ca?utm_source=openai))
As federal agencies like the ITC and USPTO resume full operations, they face the challenge of addressing backlogs and mitigating the long-term effects of the shutdown on their respective domains. The broader implications for the economy and various sectors underscore the far-reaching consequences of such prolonged governmental closures.