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March 15, 2026 marked the start of a new five-year cycle for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Nationwide Permits (NWPs). Pursuant to a final rule published on January 8, 2026, the Corps has reissued and modified 56 existing NWPs and created one new NWP.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has finalized a major rule change requiring all foreign-domiciled patent applicants and patent owners to be represented by a U.S. registered patent attorney or agent starting July 20, 2026.

Recent policy changes at the United States Patent and Trademark Office have fundamentally altered the patent landscape, creating new challenges for those seeking to invalidate patents while simultaneously strengthening the position of patent holders. These shifts represent a significant departure from previous approaches to patent examination and post-grant review procedures.