During IPWatchdog LIVE 2025, USPTO Acting Director Coke Morgan Stewart provided insights into the current status and future of the USPTO. Despite experiencing high attrition rates and a pending hiring freeze, Stewart expressed optimism for the agency's future, attributing this to strong leadership appreciation for intellectual property rights. With less than 3% of the workforce engaging in a deferred resignation program, the agency aims to strategically fill positions after a temporary hiring freeze. The current inventory of applications stands at a historically high 1.2 million, a situation the agency is addressing thoughtfully.
"Despite the challenges and shakeups the Office is currently experiencing, I have a positive outlook for the future of the Office, partially due to the unique appreciation for IP rights."
"It hasn't had a great effect on us. Less than 3% of the workforce has taken advantage of the deferred resignation program, and the losses are evenly dispersed throughout the Office."
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