IP policy news

The latest news on intellectual property (IP) policy from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Learn more about the USPTO’s work in IP policy and upcoming IP policy events.

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   (Press Release)

USPTO names new members of leadership team 

The USPTO announced the appointment of Sharon Israel as Chief Policy Officer and Director for International Affairs and Jack Fleming as Chief Communications Officer.

   (News Brief)

Diagnosing COVID-19: A perspective from U.S. patenting activity

The USPTO released a report revealing that small companies and universities led the way in developing inventions to diagnose COVID-19 as evidenced by patent applications filed through April 2023.

   (Press Release)

Latest USPTO report finds a 32% increase in the number of U.S. counties where women patented between 1990 and 2019

The report pinpoints women inventor-patentees across U.S. counties, and examines growth over the 1990-2019 period to better understand women’s participation in IP

   (News Brief)

IP Economic Note, Issue 101: Exports and imports by U.S. IP-intensive industries

USPTO Office of the Chief Economist released IP Economic Note, Issue 101 on the exports and imports by U.S. IP-intensive industries.

   (Press Release)

Latest USPTO report finds industries that intensively use intellectual property protection account for over 41% of U.S. gross domestic product, employ one-third of total workforce

Third edition in series on IP-intensive industries offers greater insight into demographics of IP workforce, reinforces that “IP protection is good for American businesses and their employees”

   (News Brief)

A Proclamation on World Intellectual Property Day, 2021

On April 23, President Joseph R. Biden issued a proclamation for World IP Day.

   (Press Release)

USPTO report examines the impact of Chinese government subsidies and other non-market factors on the recent rise in patent and trademark filings in China

New report discusses how high rate of Chinese patent and trademark filings may be influenced by government subsidies and other non-market factors.

   (Press Release)

Four USPTO intellectual property attachés elevated to rank of “Counselor”

WASHINGTON – The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced that four of its intellectual property (IP) attachés have been elevated to the diplomatic rank of “Counselor” at the U.S. embassies and missions where they serve. “The USPTO prides itself on working with foreign…

   (Press Release)

New benchmark USPTO study finds artificial intelligence in U.S. patents rose by more than 100% since 2002

An unprecedented 42% of all USPTO technology subclasses now contain AI patents.

   (News Brief)

Mary Critharis appointed USPTO’s Acting Chief Policy Officer and Director for International Affairs

Today, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced that Mary Critharis has been appointed the USPTO’s Acting Chief Policy Officer and Director for International Affairs. Ms. Critharis first joined the USPTO as a patent examiner in 1992 before progressing to Assistant Solicitor…

   (Press Release)

USPTO announces 2020 Patents for Humanity winners

Program recognizes innovators who use game-changing technology to meet global humanitarian challenges.

   (Press Release)

USPTO releases updated study on participation of women in the U.S. innovation economy

Study finds the number of women entering and staying active in the patent system is at an all-time high

   (Press Release)

USPTO launches platform to facilitate connections between patent holders and potential licensees in key technologies

Initial release focuses on COVID-19–related technologies

   (News Brief)

Proclamation on World Intellectual Property Day, 2020

President Donald J. Trump proclaims World IP Day

   (Press Release)

USPTO releases report on patent examination outcomes after the Supreme Court’s Alice decision

Report finds that USPTO’s Section 101 guidance brings greater predictability and certainty to the technology areas most affected by the Supreme Court’s Alice decision

   (News Brief)

USPTO waives original handwritten signature requirement

The USPTO is waiving the requirements of 37 CFR 1.4(e)(1) and (2) for an original handwritten signature.

   (News Brief)

Relief for USPTO customers affected by COVID-19

The USPTO is waiving petition fees in certain situations for customers impacted by the coronavirus.

   (News Brief)

USPTO offices closed to the public

All USPTO offices will be closed to the public beginning Monday, March 16, 2020 until further notice.

   (News Brief)

USPTO update on in-person meetings

In-person meetings with parties and stakeholders at USPTO offices will be conducted remotely by video or telephone.

   (News Brief)

USPTO Patent Assignment Dataset with 2019 data files now available

Full data files from 1970 to 2019 are now available to the public for free download.

   (News Brief)

Patent litigation data through 2016 now available

This reliable, free, and publicly accessible dataset now contains detailed patent litigation data on more than 81,000 unique district court cases filed between 1963 and 2016.

   (News Brief)

U.S. and Brazil implement expanded PPH agreement

The USPTO and Brazil’s National Institute for Industrial Property implemented a new Patent Prosecution Highway agreement allowing for applications for more industries and higher annual caps.

   (News Brief)

USPTO releases SUCCESS Act report to Congress

Report looks at participation of women, minorities, and veterans in the patent system.

   (News Brief)

Director Iancu speaks on the growth and international collaboration of AI

USPTO Director Iancu addressed the growth of artificial intelligence in patenting and the cooperation among international patent offices to utilize and explore AI in patent examination tools and methods.

   (Press Release)

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office releases new report on trends and characteristics of U.S. women inventors

Report finds women made up only 12% of all U.S. inventors in 2016, but opportunities to spur gender parity in innovation is growing.

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