The document summarizes changes to USPTO fees and procedures effective January 1, 2014 or December 18, 2013. Key changes include decreases to various issue fees, elimination of the assignment recordation fee, relaxed filing date requirements, longer deadlines to respond to certain notices, and extension of a missing parts pilot program through 2014. The document also summarizes recent case law related to functional language, multiple embodiments in design patents, "and/or" claim language, and inequitable conduct.