The USPTO has amended the rules for TTAB proceedings.  A Notice of Final Rulemaking was published in the Federal Register on October 7, 2016. The effective date of the amended rules is January 14, 2017. The amended rules are applicable to all cases pending on January 14, 2017 as well as those cases commenced on or after January 14, 2017. The USPTO published a table summarizing the amendments is posted.  The impact of the new rules on Oppositions is summarized on this chart: