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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Here are the emails sent to examiners:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121">From:</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"> </span></span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121">Vaishali
Udupa, Commissioner for Patents <<a href="mailto:CommissionerforPatents@USPTO.GOV"><span style="color:purple">CommissionerforPatents@USPTO.GOV</span></a>><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br>
<b>Sent:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Friday, January 24, 2025 6:00 PM<br>
<b>Subject:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Fw: Return to Office<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121">Dear Colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121">Following up on the USPTO Broadcast Message, in view of the Executive Order and OPM guidance on telework, USPTO will be developing an implementation plan
for return to office. There is no requirement for you to take any immediate action. Your supervisors will work directly with you as part of the implementation plan. That said, if you do have an assigned office or available space to work in person, we would
like you to maximize your time in person during this transition period.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121">As the message states, non-bargaining, fully remote workers (i.e., those with a 50-mile program or TEAP agreement) will receive separate guidance.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121">Thank you,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121">Vaishali Udupa</span></b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121">Commissioner for Patents<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">From:</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"> </span></span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">USPTO
Broadcast <<a href="mailto:USPTOBroadcast@subscriptions.uspto.gov" title="mailto:USPTOBroadcast@subscriptions.uspto.gov"><span style="color:purple">USPTOBroadcast@subscriptions.uspto.gov</span></a>><br>
<b>Sent:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Friday, January 24, 2025 5:40:02 PM<br>
<b>To:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Udupa, Vaishali <<a href="mailto:Vaishali.Udupa@uspto.gov" title="mailto:Vaishali.Udupa@uspto.gov"><span style="color:purple">Vaishali.Udupa@uspto.gov</span></a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Return to Office</span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<h1 style="margin:0in"><span style="font-size:30.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:#50738F;font-weight:normal">Agency Broadcast</span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
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<h2 style="margin:0in"><span style="font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:black;font-weight:normal">Return to Office</span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:7.5pt"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:black">Notice to Employees</span></strong><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:7.5pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:black">The purpose of this email is to notify you of President Trump\u2019s Presidential Memorandum,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fpresidential-actions%2F2025%2F01%2Freturn-to-in-person-work%2F%3Futm_campaign=subscriptioncenter%26utm_content=%26utm_medium=email%26utm_name=%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=/1/010001949a78fbce-6e2adea1-7662-4ad0-b141-58e250c1247e-000000/kb-V0N8W9mSFwFisXdX9u3oek5OJ2hzecAWZKdwQydE=389" title="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fpresidential-actions%2F2025%2F01%2Freturn-to-in-person-work%2F%3Futm_campaign=subscriptioncenter%26utm_content=%26utm_medium=email%26utm_name=%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=/1/0100"><em><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:#0000EE">Return
to In-Person Work</span></em></a>. The USPTO will be fully complying with the President\u2019s Memorandum and associated<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FUSOPM%2F2025%2F01%2F23%2Ffile_attachments%2F3140617%2FOPM%2520Return%2520to%2520Office%2520Guidance%2520Memorandum%25201-22-25.pdf/1/010001949a78fbce-6e2adea1-7662-4ad0-b141-58e250c1247e-000000/YRCEB7xUWCq4Zop45zU0TRxS2zw0nMQsyNY9IBsqs9E=389" title="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FUSOPM%2F2025%2F01%2F23%2Ffile_attachments%2F3140617%2FOPM%2520Return%2520to%2520Office%2520Guidance%2520Memorandum%25201-22-25.pdf/1/010001949a78fbce-6e2adea1-7662-4ad"><span style="color:#0000EE">Guidance</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>from
the Office of Personnel Management.</span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:7.5pt"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:black">In-Person Work</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:black"> </span></b></span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:7.5pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:black">In accordance with President Trump\u2019s Presidential Memorandum,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fpresidential-actions%2F2025%2F01%2Freturn-to-in-person-work%2F%3Futm_campaign=subscriptioncenter%26utm_content=%26utm_medium=email%26utm_name=%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=/2/010001949a78fbce-6e2adea1-7662-4ad0-b141-58e250c1247e-000000/fUuo7UbWoyZRqlSeuNNkhyhhnDHvoEpBOno0HerV51c=389" title="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fpresidential-actions%2F2025%2F01%2Freturn-to-in-person-work%2F%3Futm_campaign=subscriptioncenter%26utm_content=%26utm_medium=email%26utm_name=%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=/2/0100"><em><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:#0000EE">Return
to In-Person Work</span></em></a><em><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">,</span></em>and corresponding<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FUSOPM%2F2025%2F01%2F23%2Ffile_attachments%2F3140617%2FOPM%2520Return%2520to%2520Office%2520Guidance%2520Memorandum%25201-22-25.pdf/2/010001949a78fbce-6e2adea1-7662-4ad0-b141-58e250c1247e-000000/cPUORz9qN8fVttmVOEVJB0c-pBWc8R2t0dHUTdffvBk=389" title="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FUSOPM%2F2025%2F01%2F23%2Ffile_attachments%2F3140617%2FOPM%2520Return%2520to%2520Office%2520Guidance%2520Memorandum%25201-22-25.pdf/2/010001949a78fbce-6e2adea1-7662-4ad"><span style="color:#0000EE">Guidance</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>from
the Office of Personnel Management, the USPTO no longer permits regular and recurring telework. Employees should work full time at their respective worksites/duty stations.</span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:7.5pt"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:black">Employee Exemptions</span></strong><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:7.5pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:black">This memorandum does not apply to employees that have been excused from compliance due to reasonable accommodations consistent with
the provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or another compelling reason certified by the Acting Director or her designee and the employees\u2019 supervisors. Senior leadership will receive separate instruction concerning the process by which potential exemption
cases may be reviewed and certified by the Acting Director. </span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:7.5pt"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:black">Bargaining Unit Exemptions</span></strong><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:7.5pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:black">This memorandum does not supersede existing collective bargaining agreements. In collaboration with USPTO leadership, employees covered
by collective bargaining agreements addressing telework and remote work should continue to explore methods for maximizing in-person work.</span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:7.5pt"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:black">Existing Telework Agreements</span></strong><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:7.5pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:black">All provisions of telework agreements must be canceled immediately, except for those provisions that support situational telework consistent
with this email. Situational telework may be approved by supervisors on a case-by-case basis only when there is a written justification outlining the temporary challenge, such as a weather-related facility closure, being addressed and its expected duration.</span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:7.5pt"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:black">Existing Remote Work Agreements</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:black"> </span></b></span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:7.5pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:black">Employees with existing remote work agreements will receive separate information about their work status. </span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:7.5pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:black">Further information will be provided by your supervisor.</span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Best regards,<br>
<br>
-Jim<br>
<br>
James C. Larsen<br>
Attorney<br>
Larsen IP PLLC<br>
p: 425.298.6846<br>
e: <a href="mailto:jim@Larsen-IP.com"><span style="color:#0563C1">jim@Larsen-IP.com</span></a><br>
w. <a href="http://www.Larsen-IP.com"><span style="color:#0563C1">www.Larsen-IP.com</span></a><br>
<br>
NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY: The information contained in this email, including any attachments, is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the use of the individual(s) or entity named herein. If the reader of this message is not the intended
recipient or authorized agent, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Unintended recipients are requested to notify the sender immediately and to permanently delete this e-mail,
any attachments, and copies.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black">From:
</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black">Patentpractice <patentpractice-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com> on behalf of Jim Larsen via Patentpractice <patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com><br>
<b>Date: </b>Friday, January 24, 2025 at 2:53</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">\u202f</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black">PM<br>
<b>To: </b>guyvmann--- via Patentpractice <patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com><br>
<b>Cc: </b>Jim Larsen <jim@larsen-ip.com><br>
<b>Subject: </b>[Patentpractice] USPTO employees ordered to "return to office"<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Was just talking to an examiner who received an email while on the phone ordering all USPTO employees to \u201creturn to office\u201d due to new DOE mandates. I suspect this is going to disrupt things.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Best regards,<br>
<br>
-Jim<br>
<br>
James C. Larsen<br>
Attorney<br>
Larsen IP PLLC<br>
p: 425.298.6846<br>
e: <a href="mailto:jim@Larsen-IP.com"><span style="color:#0563C1">jim@Larsen-IP.com</span></a><br>
w. <a href="http://www.Larsen-IP.com"><span style="color:#0563C1">www.Larsen-IP.com</span></a><br>
<br>
NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY: The information contained in this email, including any attachments, is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the use of the individual(s) or entity named herein. If the reader of this message is not the intended
recipient or authorized agent, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Unintended recipients are requested to notify the sender immediately and to permanently delete this e-mail,
any attachments, and copies.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
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