Dear Colleagues, Welcome to the . In this edition, we provide a report on requirements for Foreign Filing licenses, an update on the USPTO’s efforts at optimizing pendency of applications, updates on EPO practice and opposition trends from colleagues abroad, and highlights from our successful Event and PCT and Madrid Protocol Seminars.  In addition, this edition includes announcements concerning upcoming events, members on the move, and other matters of interest to our membership. We thank our contributors for their time and attention to enriching this Newsletter. Further thanks to BPLA administrator, Constance Brennan, and the staff of Readz for their collective efforts in producing this edition. We look forward to your future contributions. Respectfully,