The USPTO has issued guidance requiring a return to in-person work in accordance with President Trump's executive order. A notable exception exists for employees whose telework is protected by collective bargaining agreements, which predominantly covers most patent examiners linked to the Patent Office Professional Association (POPA). This situation affects mainly management and supervisory roles. Concerns arise about logistics as the USPTO lacks sufficient office space for all returning employees. Remote patent examiners may still face uncertainty regarding their future work arrangements, especially with the White House questioning the enforceability of such agreements.
The guidance from USPTO Commissioner Vaishali Udupa mandates a return to in-person work, but notably excludes employees with telework arrangements protected by collective bargaining agreements.
With over 10,000 patent examiners primarily working remotely, the return-to-office plan could significantly disrupt operations, especially given the lack of adequate office space.
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