The Senate confirmed Howard Lutnick as Secretary of Commerce, overseeing significant departments including the USPTO. Dana Kass at Law360 reports that John A. Squires is likely to be nominated as the next USPTO Director. With extensive fintech experience and a history at Goldman Sachs, Squires’ potential appointment could significantly influence patent policy. His anticipated priorities include enhancing patent accessibility for startups, expanding software patent eligibility, utilizing AI in patent examination, reducing backlog delays, and linking patent system considerations with national security. Lutnick is expected to champion Squires’ nomination in the Senate.
I expect that Sec. Lutnick will play a key role in advancing Squires' potential nomination through the process.
Squires brings significant private sector IP experience to the potential role. At Goldman Sachs, he founded and led the investment bank's intellectual property practice from 2000 to 2009.
His practice at Dilworth Paxson has continued to focus on emerging technologies including AI, blockchain, and fintech.
I expect that the following will be some of his focal points as he jumps into the fray: ensuring the patent system is both accessible and valuable to small startups.
Collection
[
|
...
]