This morning the Federal Circuit issued a Notice of New Revised Protocols for In-Person Arguments. In it, the court announced it will apply the protocols it released in January 2022 to the court’s May 2022 session, but then apply new protocols beginning with the court’s June 2022 session. Notable aspects of the new protocols include the court’s refusal to entertain motions expanding attendance beyond arguing counsel and one necessary attendee, a mask mandate, and a requirement of proof of negative COVID testing after arriving in the Washington, D.C. area. Here is the full text of today’s announcement.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has issued Revised Protocols for In-Person Arguments (pdf) that will apply to the June 2022 court sitting and subsequent sittings until further notice. The current Revised Protocols for in-Person Arguments (pdf), issued January 18, 2022, will remain in place for the May 2022 session. Based on the Revised Protocols, the court has also updated the Certification of Compliance (Form 33A) (pdf) required to be filed ahead of time for all arguing counsel. These materials are available on the court’s website.