PTAB Bar Association Advocates for Stability Amid USPTO TurmoilPTAB Bar Association advocates for stability at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board due to USPTO disruptions.
Patent Law Year in Review: Top-Nine Topics for 2025The U.S. patent landscape is shifting dramatically with changes in administration, impacting policies and the backlog of patents.Key court decisions are reshaping design patent analysis towards flexibility, responding to evolving global standards.
IP News from IPWatchdog: Barks & Bites for Friday, March 14The Federal Circuit reaffirmed principles of claim separateness in a recent patent case, impacting how injunctions may be filed.Major leadership changes occurred in the Copyright Office and the USPTO amidst ongoing legislative actions.
CAFC Says Patent Applicant Failed to Timely Preserve Appointments Clause Challenge to Examiner RejectionThe Federal Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Odyssey Logistics' Appointments Clause challenge due to untimely preservation of the challenge.
Federal Circuit Denies Patent Agent Registration for Former USPTO Examiner Who Failed to Disclose Workplace SuspensionIntegrity and transparency are critical in legal professional registration processes.
New USPTO Leadership on the Horizon: Lutnick Confirmed as Commerce Secretary, Squires Expected as DirectorHoward Lutnick confirmed as Secretary of Commerce; John Squires expected to be nominated as USPTO Director with strong IP experience.
PTAB Bar Association Advocates for Stability Amid USPTO TurmoilPTAB Bar Association advocates for stability at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board due to USPTO disruptions.
Patent Law Year in Review: Top-Nine Topics for 2025The U.S. patent landscape is shifting dramatically with changes in administration, impacting policies and the backlog of patents.Key court decisions are reshaping design patent analysis towards flexibility, responding to evolving global standards.
IP News from IPWatchdog: Barks & Bites for Friday, March 14The Federal Circuit reaffirmed principles of claim separateness in a recent patent case, impacting how injunctions may be filed.Major leadership changes occurred in the Copyright Office and the USPTO amidst ongoing legislative actions.
CAFC Says Patent Applicant Failed to Timely Preserve Appointments Clause Challenge to Examiner RejectionThe Federal Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Odyssey Logistics' Appointments Clause challenge due to untimely preservation of the challenge.
Federal Circuit Denies Patent Agent Registration for Former USPTO Examiner Who Failed to Disclose Workplace SuspensionIntegrity and transparency are critical in legal professional registration processes.
New USPTO Leadership on the Horizon: Lutnick Confirmed as Commerce Secretary, Squires Expected as DirectorHoward Lutnick confirmed as Secretary of Commerce; John Squires expected to be nominated as USPTO Director with strong IP experience.
Patent Office News and TurmoilThe USPTO is undergoing significant changes, including leadership turnover and increased scrutiny of patent examiner productivity.
New USPTO Memo Makes Fighting Patent Trolls Even HarderUSPTO's decision limits public access to challenge invalid patents, risking the proliferation of bad patents.
Five Questions the New Commerce Secretary Should Ask When Vetting a USPTO DirectorThe next USPTO Director must be a passionate advocate for the patent system to effectively communicate its importance to society.
Why the DOGE Should Take Aim at the USPTOPatent efficiency and cost barriers significantly impact American inventors, limiting their ability to protect inventions and receive fair compensation.
Patent Grants for 2024The USPTO issued 7,499 utility patents in a week, almost setting a record, aided by an extra Tuesday in 2024.
Trump Picks for Commerce and DOJ Are at Odds with Rumored Pick for USPTONominating Vishal Amin to head the USPTO may contradict Trump's agenda, creating internal conflicts over patent policy.
Patent Office News and TurmoilThe USPTO is undergoing significant changes, including leadership turnover and increased scrutiny of patent examiner productivity.
New USPTO Memo Makes Fighting Patent Trolls Even HarderUSPTO's decision limits public access to challenge invalid patents, risking the proliferation of bad patents.
Five Questions the New Commerce Secretary Should Ask When Vetting a USPTO DirectorThe next USPTO Director must be a passionate advocate for the patent system to effectively communicate its importance to society.
Why the DOGE Should Take Aim at the USPTOPatent efficiency and cost barriers significantly impact American inventors, limiting their ability to protect inventions and receive fair compensation.
Patent Grants for 2024The USPTO issued 7,499 utility patents in a week, almost setting a record, aided by an extra Tuesday in 2024.
Trump Picks for Commerce and DOJ Are at Odds with Rumored Pick for USPTONominating Vishal Amin to head the USPTO may contradict Trump's agenda, creating internal conflicts over patent policy.
Engines of Innovation: How Universities Propel America ForwardLaura Peter emphasizes the transformational role of intellectual property through her experiences at the USPTO and UNC Charlotte's technology transfer.
Other Barks & Bites for Friday, February 21: USPTO Commissioner for Trademarks is Leaving; FTC Seeks Public Comments on Tech Censorship; CAFC Affirms Descriptiveness Refusal Over Estoppel ArgumentsUSPTO leadership changes as Commissioner David Gooder steps down, with Dan Vavonese becoming Acting Commissioner.
USPTO debuts 2025 AI strategyThe USPTO's new AI strategy aims to enhance patent processes and integrate responsible AI usage across its operations.
Trump Names Coke Stewart Acting Director of the USPTOCoke Morgan Stewart's swearing-in signifies a commitment to intellectual property and innovation,
As Trump Administration Takes Shape, a Big Tech Pick for USPTO Seems Far-FetchedThe next USPTO Director must prioritize comprehensive reform for stakeholders beyond just big tech as outlined by President-elect Trump.
The IP Community's Wildest Dreams for 2025Strengthening intellectual property rights through policy changes and legislative support is a priority for 2025.
Engines of Innovation: How Universities Propel America ForwardLaura Peter emphasizes the transformational role of intellectual property through her experiences at the USPTO and UNC Charlotte's technology transfer.
Other Barks & Bites for Friday, February 21: USPTO Commissioner for Trademarks is Leaving; FTC Seeks Public Comments on Tech Censorship; CAFC Affirms Descriptiveness Refusal Over Estoppel ArgumentsUSPTO leadership changes as Commissioner David Gooder steps down, with Dan Vavonese becoming Acting Commissioner.
USPTO debuts 2025 AI strategyThe USPTO's new AI strategy aims to enhance patent processes and integrate responsible AI usage across its operations.
Trump Names Coke Stewart Acting Director of the USPTOCoke Morgan Stewart's swearing-in signifies a commitment to intellectual property and innovation,
As Trump Administration Takes Shape, a Big Tech Pick for USPTO Seems Far-FetchedThe next USPTO Director must prioritize comprehensive reform for stakeholders beyond just big tech as outlined by President-elect Trump.
The IP Community's Wildest Dreams for 2025Strengthening intellectual property rights through policy changes and legislative support is a priority for 2025.
USPTO's Women's Entrepreneurship Symposium Continues Despite New DEI PoliciesRecent executive orders on diversity create confusion about federal agencies' initiatives, including at the USPTO.The White House emphasizes merit-based opportunities while asserting the need to defend women's rights.
USPTO Withdraws Biden Era AI StrategyThe USPTO has retracted its AI strategy due to changes in executive orders following a presidential transition.
USPTO Faces Twin Challenges: Return-to-Office Mandate and Hiring Freeze Could Significantly Impact Patent OperationsExecutive orders may hinder USPTO's operations and expansion plans due to in-person work mandates and a federal hiring freeze.
USPTO's Women's Entrepreneurship Symposium Continues Despite New DEI PoliciesRecent executive orders on diversity create confusion about federal agencies' initiatives, including at the USPTO.The White House emphasizes merit-based opportunities while asserting the need to defend women's rights.
USPTO Withdraws Biden Era AI StrategyThe USPTO has retracted its AI strategy due to changes in executive orders following a presidential transition.
USPTO Faces Twin Challenges: Return-to-Office Mandate and Hiring Freeze Could Significantly Impact Patent OperationsExecutive orders may hinder USPTO's operations and expansion plans due to in-person work mandates and a federal hiring freeze.
USPTO Facing Additional Cuts: What's Core vs. ExpendableThe USPTO's operational stability is threatened by the new efficiency directive, with potential reductions impacting patent processing and examination quality.
Trump Hiring Freeze Leaves USPTO Backlog Attack Plan in LimboThe USPTO is striving to address its significant patent backlog and enhance examination capacity.
Rader's Ruminations: Thoughts About the Impact of DOGE on the USPTODOGE's interaction with USPTO presents both challenges and opportunities for improving patent examination efficiency.
USPTO Facing Additional Cuts: What's Core vs. ExpendableThe USPTO's operational stability is threatened by the new efficiency directive, with potential reductions impacting patent processing and examination quality.
Trump Hiring Freeze Leaves USPTO Backlog Attack Plan in LimboThe USPTO is striving to address its significant patent backlog and enhance examination capacity.
Rader's Ruminations: Thoughts About the Impact of DOGE on the USPTODOGE's interaction with USPTO presents both challenges and opportunities for improving patent examination efficiency.
USPTO petitioned to cancel Oracle's JavaScript trademarkOracle's trademark ownership of 'JavaScript' creates unnecessary barriers; a petition to the USPTO seeks to free the name for public use.
Here's why Meghan Markle's 'As Ever' brand is banned from selling clothingMeghan Markle's As Ever brand cannot sell clothing due to trademark issues with a similar Chinese company.
Hundreds of Trademark Applicants Get Erroneous Notices of Abandonment from USPTOA system error at the USPTO led to incorrect abandonment notices for hundreds of trademark applications, prompting significant client frustration.
Other Barks & Bites for Friday, October 25: Microsoft CEO Asks for Changes in Copyright Law; Report Finds 22% Growth in Semiconductor Patent Filings; and Former OpenAI Employee Claims Company Breaks Copyright LawThe USPTO is enhancing trademark audit methods to ensure more accurate registrations.A former OpenAI employee claims that ChatGPT's use of copyrighted materials may violate copyright laws.
USPTO petitioned to cancel Oracle's JavaScript trademarkOracle's trademark ownership of 'JavaScript' creates unnecessary barriers; a petition to the USPTO seeks to free the name for public use.
Here's why Meghan Markle's 'As Ever' brand is banned from selling clothingMeghan Markle's As Ever brand cannot sell clothing due to trademark issues with a similar Chinese company.
Hundreds of Trademark Applicants Get Erroneous Notices of Abandonment from USPTOA system error at the USPTO led to incorrect abandonment notices for hundreds of trademark applications, prompting significant client frustration.
Other Barks & Bites for Friday, October 25: Microsoft CEO Asks for Changes in Copyright Law; Report Finds 22% Growth in Semiconductor Patent Filings; and Former OpenAI Employee Claims Company Breaks Copyright LawThe USPTO is enhancing trademark audit methods to ensure more accurate registrations.A former OpenAI employee claims that ChatGPT's use of copyrighted materials may violate copyright laws.
The Trump Administration's USPTO Executive Team is Taking ShapeIncoming Secretary Lutnick's pro-patent agenda influences new USPTO leadership appointments.
Howard Lutnick and the Patent SystemHoward Lutnick's nomination as Secretary of Commerce could significantly impact patent policy due to his unique experiences in invention and litigation.
What Happened at the USPTO in 2024-and What's to ComeUpcoming USPTO leadership changes will influence patent policies in 2025, particularly with the new Director's potential alignment with previous Big Tech policies.
The Trump Administration's USPTO Executive Team is Taking ShapeIncoming Secretary Lutnick's pro-patent agenda influences new USPTO leadership appointments.
Howard Lutnick and the Patent SystemHoward Lutnick's nomination as Secretary of Commerce could significantly impact patent policy due to his unique experiences in invention and litigation.
What Happened at the USPTO in 2024-and What's to ComeUpcoming USPTO leadership changes will influence patent policies in 2025, particularly with the new Director's potential alignment with previous Big Tech policies.
What Do the Return to Office and Hiring Freeze Orders Mean for Examiners and SPEs?The return to office for SPEs and hiring freeze may harm USPTO operations, impacting examiner workload and productivity.
Vaishali Udupa Resigns as Commissioner of PatentsVaishali Udupa resigned from her position as USPTO Commissioner, potentially influenced by ties to previous leadership and increasing patent backlog concerns.
Commissioner for Patents Takes 'Fork in the Road' and Resigns from PTOA deferred resignation program has been introduced to federal workers but faces legal challenges regarding its execution and terms.
USPTO Implements Substantial Fee Increases for 2025: Revenue Needs and Behavioral IncentivesSignificant fee increases by the USPTO will take effect in January 2025, potentially prompting legal challenges from patent applicants.The fee changes could influence applicant behavior and economic decisions.
Commissioner for Patents Takes 'Fork in the Road' and Resigns from PTOA deferred resignation program has been introduced to federal workers but faces legal challenges regarding its execution and terms.
USPTO Implements Substantial Fee Increases for 2025: Revenue Needs and Behavioral IncentivesSignificant fee increases by the USPTO will take effect in January 2025, potentially prompting legal challenges from patent applicants.The fee changes could influence applicant behavior and economic decisions.
USPTO's Remote Work Program Faces Potential Rapid Dismantling Under New Federal GuidelinesThe USPTO faces a significant operational change with a mandated return to in-office work and a hiring freeze.
Report Indicates PTAB Judges Will Soon Be Required to Return to In-Person WorkPTAB judges' required return to the office may threaten efficiency and timeliness of patent decisions.
USPTO's Remote Work Program Faces Potential Rapid Dismantling Under New Federal GuidelinesThe USPTO faces a significant operational change with a mandated return to in-office work and a hiring freeze.
Report Indicates PTAB Judges Will Soon Be Required to Return to In-Person WorkPTAB judges' required return to the office may threaten efficiency and timeliness of patent decisions.
Most Patent Examiners Protected from USPTO Return-to-Office Mandate (for now) Through Union AgreementUSPTO's remote workers face a return-to-office mandate, except those with collective bargaining agreements safeguarding telework.
Detailed Return-to-Office Implementation Guidance: Potentially Major Disruption for USPTO OperationsOPM's new guidance could dramatically change remote work policies at the USPTO, affecting operations.Agencies must take immediate action in response to the return-to-office mandate.
Most Patent Examiners Protected from USPTO Return-to-Office Mandate (for now) Through Union AgreementUSPTO's remote workers face a return-to-office mandate, except those with collective bargaining agreements safeguarding telework.
Detailed Return-to-Office Implementation Guidance: Potentially Major Disruption for USPTO OperationsOPM's new guidance could dramatically change remote work policies at the USPTO, affecting operations.Agencies must take immediate action in response to the return-to-office mandate.
USPTO's Rapid Policy Shifts Threaten Patent System StabilityThe USPTO is facing challenges due to new White House directives that risk exacerbating their backlog and driving away experienced patent professionals.
USPTO Director Vidal Announces December DepartureKathi Vidal's departure from the USPTO marks a significant transition, especially regarding diversity initiatives and ongoing patent system reforms.
Five (Almost) Instant Fixes to the Patent System That the Trump USPTO Can Deploy (and One Bonus)The new USPTO Acting Director's leadership is seen as a potential turning point for patent rights and innovation.
USPTO's Rapid Policy Shifts Threaten Patent System StabilityThe USPTO is facing challenges due to new White House directives that risk exacerbating their backlog and driving away experienced patent professionals.
USPTO Director Vidal Announces December DepartureKathi Vidal's departure from the USPTO marks a significant transition, especially regarding diversity initiatives and ongoing patent system reforms.
Five (Almost) Instant Fixes to the Patent System That the Trump USPTO Can Deploy (and One Bonus)The new USPTO Acting Director's leadership is seen as a potential turning point for patent rights and innovation.
More Ways for the New Acting Director to Fix the USPTO FastThe next USPTO Director should implement fixes to improve efficiency and reduce the burden of unnecessary rules on patent applicants.
USPTO Presents AI Strategy as AI Patent Applications Soar by 33%The USPTO is enhancing its AI expertise and policies to address the growing impact of AI on innovation.
Patent Quality Report Finds Improper Patent Abandonment is Greater Issue Than Improper GrantsThe USPTO makes more errors by rejecting valid patents than by granting invalid ones.
USPTO Presents AI Strategy as AI Patent Applications Soar by 33%The USPTO is enhancing its AI expertise and policies to address the growing impact of AI on innovation.
Patent Quality Report Finds Improper Patent Abandonment is Greater Issue Than Improper GrantsThe USPTO makes more errors by rejecting valid patents than by granting invalid ones.
Samsung tops U.S. patents as Chinese firms riseTSMC surpassed Qualcomm in patent rankings, indicating its advancing role in technology.The total number of patents granted in the US rose for the first time in four years.
Some numbers from this weekHigh allowance rates in different patent categories indicate variability in scrutiny levels within the USPTO.
US PATENT FEE INCREASES FOR 2025: Not (Nearly) as Bad as They Could Have BeenThe USPTO is implementing substantial patent fee increases effective January 2025, affecting prosecution strategies.Controversial proposed fees faced pushback, leading to some retractions.
After Loper Bright, the USPTO Should Reopen the Comment Period for FY 2025-2029 Patent FeesUSPTO proposed significant fee increases for 2025-2029, raising concerns among stakeholders about transparency and political motivations in fee setting.
US PATENT FEE INCREASES FOR 2025: Not (Nearly) as Bad as They Could Have BeenThe USPTO is implementing substantial patent fee increases effective January 2025, affecting prosecution strategies.Controversial proposed fees faced pushback, leading to some retractions.
After Loper Bright, the USPTO Should Reopen the Comment Period for FY 2025-2029 Patent FeesUSPTO proposed significant fee increases for 2025-2029, raising concerns among stakeholders about transparency and political motivations in fee setting.
Many Paths to Patent IssuanceNavigating USPTO patent prosecution is intricate, sometimes requiring guidance similar to Ariadne's thread.
USPTO Patent Grant Rate and Growing BacklogThe USPTO grant rate has significantly increased since 2010 due to policy changes, but recent trends indicate a possible recalibration under new leadership.
False USPTO Narratives and the Urgent Need for PTAB ReformThe Senate's approval of PREVAIL marks a significant step towards PTAB reform amidst ongoing debates and concerns.
USPTO Patent Grant Rate and Growing BacklogThe USPTO grant rate has significantly increased since 2010 due to policy changes, but recent trends indicate a possible recalibration under new leadership.
False USPTO Narratives and the Urgent Need for PTAB ReformThe Senate's approval of PREVAIL marks a significant step towards PTAB reform amidst ongoing debates and concerns.
Using Settlements and Case Resolution to Reduce the High Cost of U.S. Trademark DisputesThe U.S. trademark dispute process is expensive and cumbersome, discouraging valid claims and allowing similar trademarks to be registered.
What's in a Name[ly]?: Considerations for Using 'Namely' in Trademark ApplicationsImproper use of 'namely' in trademark applications can significantly alter intended scope and understanding of goods.
Using Settlements and Case Resolution to Reduce the High Cost of U.S. Trademark DisputesThe U.S. trademark dispute process is expensive and cumbersome, discouraging valid claims and allowing similar trademarks to be registered.
What's in a Name[ly]?: Considerations for Using 'Namely' in Trademark ApplicationsImproper use of 'namely' in trademark applications can significantly alter intended scope and understanding of goods.
The NHK-Fintiv Saga Continues: USPTO and Amicus Defend Discretionary DenialsThe Federal Circuit will decide if the USPTO's NHK-Fintiv framework for IPR denials necessitates notice-and-comment rulemaking under the APA.
Director Review Petitions Charge PTAB Analysis of Plant Utility Claims Threatens Competition for U.S. FarmersThe petitions claim PTAB's heightened patentability standard for plant utility claims undermines competition in seed markets.
USPTO Issues Final Rule on Director Review Process, Scraps After Final Consideration PilotThe USPTO has formalized its interim Director Review process for PTAB decisions following the Supreme Court's Arthrex ruling.
Director Review Petitions Charge PTAB Analysis of Plant Utility Claims Threatens Competition for U.S. FarmersThe petitions claim PTAB's heightened patentability standard for plant utility claims undermines competition in seed markets.
USPTO Issues Final Rule on Director Review Process, Scraps After Final Consideration PilotThe USPTO has formalized its interim Director Review process for PTAB decisions following the Supreme Court's Arthrex ruling.
Patent Claim CountStandardization in US patent claim counts is increasing, with median and mean claims stabilizing around 16-17 per patent.
IPWatchdog Celebrates 25 Years, Gene Quinn Awarded for Lifetime Achievement, and Former USPTO Leaders Discuss Ways to Improve the AgencyGene Quinn was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the IP community and the evolution of IPWatchdog into a multifaceted organization.