Federal Circuit Appeals Court Updates Protocols for In-Person Arguments

The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued revised protocols Tuesday for in-person oral arguments beginning with the July court sitting and until further notice. The new rules "clarify and expand the testing or medical documentation available" to arguing counsel allowing them to enter the court. Before entering the National Courts Building, the Federal Circuit will require counsel and attendees to present documentation of (1) a negative polymerase chain reaction COVID-19 test administered in the 72 hours before oral argument, (2) a negative rapid antigen test administered within the 24 hours before oral argument, or (3) a positive test result from one of the above forms of testing from a sample taken during the previous 90 days along with a signed letter from a licensed healthcare provider or public health official saying the party has been cleared for travel. The court also updated its certification of compliance form.