The Patent and Trademark Office's deadline and fee extensions could open up more options for intellectual property attorneys and clients fast reshuffling their priorities after the new coronavirus outbreak.

Remote work, business slowdowns and the patent office's public closure have posed new challenges for patent and trademark applicants. Companies with multiple applications are lining up which ones to proceed with and which to put on the back burner. Small businesses are weighing putting off filings amid economic uncertainty.

The patent office's March 31 decision—including extending deadlines for replies to the USPTO in patent examination, notices of appeal, requests for oral hearing and maintenance fees— provides relief and flexibility for companies and innovators dealing with a new reality, attorneys say.

Read more as Jonathan Link weighs in on the application process and new deadlines in the wake of COVID-19.