VSP

United States Patent Office

1. Quality U.S. patents drive our economy and solve world problems

   <article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/kv.db_.uspto_.town_.hall_.jpg" alt="USPTO Director Kathi Vidal (on the left) and Deputy Director Derrick Brent (on the right) are seated next to each other on July 18 at an agencywide town hall. They both face the audience, and Vidal is speaking and gesturing. The event was held in the Clara Barton Auditorium on the headquarters campus in Alexandria, Virginia. " /> </div> </article> <p>USPTO Director Kathi Vidal and Deputy Director Derrick Brent speak on July 18, 2024, at an agencywide town hall in the Clara Barton Auditorium at USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. (Photo by Jay Premack/USPTO)</p> <p>Patents – which help generate more than $8 trillion in economic activity each year in U.S. intellectual property (IP)-intensive industries – are critically important to incentivizing innovation and investment, growing America’s economy, and solving worldwide challenges such as climate change and pandemics. But patents only serve their intended purpose if they are robust and reliable.</p> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p>At the USPTO, patent quality is built into Goal 2 of <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/performance-and-planning/strategy-and-reporting" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="4b48bc8f-c7a9-44e9-bb0a-9c8c47939ad7" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="USPTO Strategic Plan">our 2022-2026 Strategic Plan</a>, which focuses on promoting the efficient delivery of reliable IP rights. Achieving Goal 2 means meeting both the increased demand for utility and design patents and maintaining the quality standards that make U.S. patents the gold standard in the global IP system. For more on the USPTO’s comprehensive approach to addressing patent application pendency and reducing the backlog, which are key to accomplishing Goal 2, <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/blog/working-together-tackle-patent-and-trademark-pendency" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="8edca24b-e55c-47e8-aca3-9b20d776ae25" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Working together to tackle patent and trademark pendency ">see my recent blog on pendency</a>.</p><p>Now, I want to lay out our system of checks and balances related to patent quality.&nbsp;</p><p>From <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/subscription-center/2022/uspto-seeks-public-input-initiatives-improve-robustness-and-reliability" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="bbf02955-060d-45cb-9a40-d209860a6016" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="USPTO seeks public input on initiatives to improve the robustness and reliability of patent rights">seeking public feedback</a>, to weighing in with the courts, to providing technical advice to Congress and, most importantly, to prioritizing our internal operations and policies, the USPTO dedicates significant resources to improving the robustness and reliability of patents.</p><h3>Hiring, onboarding, and retaining examiners</h3><p>Quality begins with our 9,000-plus patent examiners.&nbsp;</p><p>We must and do hire and retain the most talented engineers, technology experts, and scientists. And we must hire substantially more examiners so that, going forward, we can address our backlog and new applications with the same focus we offer today, while continuing to use training, technology, and resources to improve quality.&nbsp;</p><p>For fiscal year (FY) 2024, we removed all caps on hiring. We started with a goal of hiring 800 examiners and came in at 969. To increase the numbers, we branched out into new markets and schools. We kept our quality standards high and chose those 969 examiners from over 16,000 who applied. For FY 2025, we aim to hire more than 1,600 new examiners.</p><p>But we know that just hiring new examiners is not enough. That’s why we are equally focused on retaining the great examiners we already have. When I came on board at the USPTO in 2022, one of the first things I did was to listen to examiners about their experiences and what more we could do to support them to do their best for American inventors. After hearing from over 2,000 of my colleagues, three issues rose to the surface:</p><ol type="1"><li>Working hours</li><li>Routing and classification</li><li>Pay &nbsp;</li></ol></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p>Before new examiners begin their first day, we gather them for our new “Accepted Day,” to keep them engaged and connect them with a cohort of their peers. They hear from me directly about how important they will be to the agency, our mission, and our country, and they have a chance to connect with our examining corps and learn about other resources to ensure their success. <span>New examiners then receive extensive training.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Beginning on their first day, utility patent examiners undergo four months of comprehensive, full-time onboarding followed by eight months of a post-onboarding, on-demand curriculum and mentorship from experienced examiners. New design examiners receive six weeks of intensive, full-time onboarding starting on day 1, and they are then paired with an experienced trainer for continued post-onboarding coaching.</span></p><p><span>In total, our 2024 cohort of examiners received over 590,000 hours of formalized training during their first year on the job. For our 2025 cohort, we&nbsp;will pilot a hybrid patent training academy for new examiners to enhance connections and amplify current training programs.</span></p><h3><span>Continual process improvement</span></h3><p><span>We are continually listening to examiners on what more we can do to improve quality.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>As part of this work, we launched our first-ever Research and Development (R&amp;D) Unit in 2023. We are currently testing ideas to:</span></p><ol type="1"><li>Create a stronger and clearer prosecution history, including evaluating procedures for ensuring added subject matter is supported by the specification&nbsp;</li><li>Provide more specificity where it matters when it comes to interview summaries&nbsp;</li></ol></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p>The R&amp;D Unit will not only let us hone those ideas, but will facilitate our work with <a href="http://popa.org/">our Patents union, the Patent Office Professionals Association</a>, to negotiate permanent solutions that are mission-driven and people-focused.</p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--blog-image paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/udupa-speaking-speco-diea-certificate-ceremony.JPG" alt="Commissioner for Patents Vaishali Udupa speaks to the Supervisory Patent Examiners and Classifiers Organization" /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-blog-image-caption field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Commissioner for Patents Vaishali Udupa speaks on November 12, 2024, at a ceremony of the Supervisory Patent Examiners and Classifiers Organization. (USPTO photo)</p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><h3>Tools and support</h3><p>It's critical that our examiners have the best tools and support for their work <span>– </span>from form paragraphs that allow examiners to focus on substantive examination, to substantive guidance, to the promotion of more collaboration among examiners, especially when a patent application touches on innovation from different technology centers.&nbsp;</p><p>We must provide examiners the best tools to efficiently identify the best prior art. All patent examiners use the Patents End-to-End (PE2E) Search suite, and more than half regularly use PE2E’s artificial intelligence (AI) search features, including “More Like This Document” and “Similarity Search.” Since September 2022, examiners have run more than 1.5 million PE2E queries using these AI-powered features.&nbsp;</p><p>We also have processes through which examiners can learn from prior art identified in foreign applications or art identified during Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) challenges in related applications. And we are currently working to investigate other uses of AI to improve the prior art search and other functions in patent examination.</p><p>We're continually reviewing and updating guidance and <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/index.html">our Manual of Patent Examining Procedure</a>. We're providing training to our examiners to ensure they're acting in accordance with the latest laws and court rulings and that patent practitioners and owners have transparency and confidence in the examining process.&nbsp;</p><p>A recent example is that, within a day of the en banc Federal Circuit decision in <i>LKQ Corp. v. GM Global Technology Operations LLC,</i> No. 2021-2348 (Fed. Cir. May 21, 2024), we issued a memorandum to provide <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/updated_obviousness_determination_designs_22may2024.pdf">updated guidance and examination instructions on evaluating obviousness in design patent applications and design patents</a>. This past July, in response to input to <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/09/01/2022-18895/submission-of-comments-regarding-the-patent-subject-matter-eligibility-guidance">our request for comments on subject matter eligibility in critical and emerging technologies, including AI</a>, we issued <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/07/17/2024-15377/2024-guidance-update-on-patent-subject-matter-eligibility-including-on-artificial-intelligence">our 2024 Guidance Update on Patent Subject Matter Eligibility, Including on Artificial Intelligence</a>. And in response to feedback on inventorship for AI-assisted inventions, <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/02/13/2024-02623/inventorship-guidance-for-ai-assisted-inventions">we issued inventorship guidance</a>.</p><h3>Continuous examiner training</h3><p>In addition to training on new cases and guidance, examiners receive continuous training throughout their careers to stay current on trends in technology and changes in U.S. IP policy.</p><p><span>In FY 2024, the Training for Experienced Examiners program provided 20,000 hours of training across 50 topic areas mostly focused on practice and procedure. An additional 39,455 hours of training were provided on 49 topic areas identified by examiners and developed through the Patent Training Council.</span></p><p><span>We also worked with stakeholder groups like the American Intellectual Property Law Association and the Intellectual Property Owners Association to share the stories of patent owners’ experiences to show our examiners the impact of their work.&nbsp;</span><br>&nbsp;</p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--pull-quote-text paragraph--view-mode--rss pull-quote-right"> <div class='pull-quote'> <div class='quote-text'> <div class="field field--name-field-pull-quote-text-blog field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">The real examples provided by practitioners drove the message home. I thought this was well done, particularly when the effects of a clear record were emphasized in terms of cost and time to applicants.</div> </div> <div class='quote-attribution'> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-pull-quote-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">USPTO patent examiner</div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents/initiatives/patent-examiner-technical-training-program" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="630c7c6f-29db-4c29-85a3-c5c8be66e9ad" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Patent Examiner Technical Training Program">The Patent Examiner Technical Training Program provided 47,000 hours of live training</a> to examiners from leading scientists, engineers, professors, industrial designers, and other technology experts from major companies and universities. And we provided an additional 9,253 hours through Tech Training on Demand opportunities.</p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents/initiatives/site-experience-education-see-program" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="dfcef469-6046-4875-9fe2-442ca538e3a9" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Site Experience Education Program ">Our Site Experience Education Program provides direct engagement for patent examiners</a> through field visits to labs, studios, and offices where scientists, designers, and engineers are making innovation.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents/patents-customer-partnership-meetings" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="7319d8c0-6832-43ee-8195-301ea394c741" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Patents Customer Partnership Meetings">We also regularly meet directly with stakeholders through our Patents Customer Partnership Meetings</a> to share ideas, experiences, and insights and to discuss examination policies and procedures, and solutions for improvement. &nbsp;</p><p>And we have targeted training programs and partnerships to ensure examiners stay current on the latest emerging technologies. For example, given the rise in patents on AI machine learning functions, the USPTO has:</p><ol><li>Partnered with Carnegie Mellon University to create a 21-course curriculum covering everything from the foundations of AI to its application in tools. Examiners say, “This training series tickles my mind about AI and makes me want to do additional research to understand the concepts even better,” and “For the first time ever, I feel like I can actually understand the language of AI.”</li><li>Launched an AI learning portal as a central point for AI training resources for all USPTO employees across different roles and organizational contexts.&nbsp;</li><li><span>Held the inaugural event in our AI and Emerging Technologies Premier Lecture Series. The first lecture featured Mark Papermaster, the chief technology officer and executive vice president of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). Papermaster spoke on the transformative power of AI and explored important considerations such as power consumption, data privacy and protection, and responsible AI.</span></li></ol></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><h3>Quality assessment and action</h3><p>Within our Patents business unit, there's a multi-tiered system of continuous quality assessments to hold examiners accountable.&nbsp;</p><p>The first tier is at the art unit level, where quality is included as a critical element of every patent examiner’s performance evaluation, with supervisory patent examiners (SPEs) formally reviewing the quality of all examiners’ work quarterly. Additionally, SPEs and primary examiners provide ongoing coaching and feedback to junior examiners throughout the year.</p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--blog-image paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/mark-papermaster.jpg" alt="Mark Papermaster from AMD speaks to the USPTO about artificial intelligence" /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-blog-image-caption field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Mark Papermaster, AMD's chief technology officer, speaks on October 29, 2024, at the USPTO's AI and Emerging Technologies Premier Lecture Series. (Photo by Michael Connor/USPTO)</p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p>The second tier is at the Technology Center (TC) level. Each TC has a team of quality assurance specialists who track quality trends and deliver targeted training to art units and workgroups in areas identified for improvement or as a regular refresher.<br><br>For the third tier, multiple teams are dedicated to ensuring the USPTO issues robust and reliable patents. The Office of Patent Quality Assurance (OPQA) supports our foundational efforts to measure and bolster patent reliability and consistency; <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents/quality-metrics" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="ddaba2fd-d04c-4e8d-90a1-0c2fa9760583" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Quality metrics">it also tracks our publicly available key performance indicators</a>. The OPQA regularly surveys our customers to gather direct feedback on the perception of the quality of examination and to identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.&nbsp;</p><h3>How are we doing?</h3><p>Our quality metrics show that patent quality is increasing, alongside an increase in customer satisfaction.</p><p>In FY 2024, we exceeded compliance targets with the four patentability statutes under title 35 of the U.S. Code:&nbsp;</p><ol type="1"><li>Section (§) 101 - Subject matter eligibility&nbsp;</li><li>§ 102 - Novelty</li><li>§ 103 - Non-obviousness&nbsp;</li><li>§ 112 - Specification&nbsp;</li></ol></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p>The number of Office actions containing rejections and found by the OPQA to have a noncompliance issue has decreased by 25% since 2020. And in the last five years, there has been a 30% decrease in findings of noncompliance across all types of actions.</p><p>In FY 2024, more than 6,000 randomly selected frequent customers were invited to participate in a semi-annual quality survey. These patent agents, attorneys, and inventors received over 100,000 Office actions during the survey time frame. More information on <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents/quality-metrics" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="ddaba2fd-d04c-4e8d-90a1-0c2fa9760583" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Quality metrics">how these stakeholders were selected to provide their feedback is available on our quality metrics webpage</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>Of the surveyed customers:</p><ol type="1"><li>61% rated patent quality as good or excellent (among the highest rankings since such surveys began in 2006).&nbsp;</li><li>83% said the employees they worked with at a Patents Contact Center were helpful. This exceeded targeted performance levels.</li></ol></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><h3>How can you help?</h3><p>Patent quality is not a static goal. We're always looking for ways to increase public awareness of the importance of patent quality and the USPTO’s holistic efforts. Members of the patent community also have a role to play with respect to quality.&nbsp;</p><p>We view patent quality as a shared responsibility. We're evaluating opportunities to collaborate on patent quality with our diverse stakeholders, including independent inventors, small businesses, industry, and bar organizations. There are also many existing avenues for you to help us ensure we maintain our high standards of quality.&nbsp;<br><br>As a patent applicant, we offer many resources to help you submit strong applications, setting the foundation for a high-quality patent. For example, <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="b5b8599c-6b5e-48cf-b419-b3d2e7732779" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="File patent application documents in DOCX">our implementation of DOCX application filing</a> is part of our effort to modernize and streamline our patent application systems, and it also supports patent application quality by offering pre-submission content validation, which can help reduce conversion errors, among other benefits. More than 90% of current filings are submitted through DOCX and can take advantage of these benefits.</p><p>We’ve worked to improve the customer experience when filing for a patent, starting with the issuance of <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/patents-welcome-letter.pdf">a welcome letter from Deputy Director Derrick Brent and me</a>, explaining all the ways to get assistance. We also recently launched a pilot program to study the benefits of<a href="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/welcome-patents-nfr.pdf"> sending certain applicants a follow up letter after they receive the first Office action</a>. This letter further explains the application process and outlines additional resources and assistance relevant to that stage. And the USPTO has rolled out, expanded, or extended several other pilot programs for patent applicants, including a<a href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/news-updates/uspto-establishes-new-pre-application-assessment-program-help-american" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="80f4d434-afa8-481e-bb00-e0b35954ad7f" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="USPTO establishes new pre-application assessment program to help American inventors"> pre-application assessment for eligible first-time patent applicants</a>. This is all in addition to long-standing support from the USPTO, such as <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents/basics/using-legal-services/pro-bono/patent-pro-bono-program" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e887e4e7-cb07-4b1d-98c7-1342f880d0bf" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Patent Pro Bono Program: Free patent legal assistance">our Patent Pro-Bono Program that provides no-cost legal assistance to those who qualify</a>.</p><p>While the USPTO is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/patent-trademark-resource-centers" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="453feae1-78d7-459d-9f3d-fb7ef85bae4f" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Patent and Trademark Resource Centers">we have partnerships with libraries across the nation through our Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) program</a>. PTRCs provide trainings throughout the year, held online and in person, to help future applicants submit the best possible patent applications and documents.</p><p>If you are a stakeholder, innovator, scientist, designer, or engineer, you can collaborate with us on some of the training I mentioned above. <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/blog/call-for-collaborations-with-stakeholders" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="766e12fb-6af0-4e81-a629-3dd295c1f02a" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Call for collaboration with stakeholders">Learn more in my blog post on opportunities to participate</a>.</p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--blog-image paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/db.loletta.charles.d.ppac_.mtg_.jpg" alt="Loletta Darden speaks while gesturing at a Patent Public Advisory Committee meeting, with USPTO Deputy Director Derrick Brent and PPAC Vice Chair Charles Duan. USPTO’s Michael Connor took this photo." /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-blog-image-caption field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Loletta “Lolita” Darden (center), chair of the USPTO’s Patent Public Advisory Committee (PPAC), speaks at PPAC’s September 5, 2024, public meeting. To the left of Darden is Deputy Director Brent, and to the right of Darden is PPAC Vice Chair Charles Duan. (Photo by Michael Connor/USPTO)</p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p>You can also get involved in the advisory process by attending <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/organizational-offices/public-advisory-committees/ppac-meetings">a quarterly meeting of our Patent Public Advisory Committee (PPAC)</a>, which, among other actions, reviews and makes recommendations to the USPTO on policies, budgets, and patent fees. Or you can <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents/patents-customer-partnership-meetings/partnership-meetings" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="94ba6d24-de9d-4c3f-b07f-c4b5fea3b933" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Patents Customer Partnership Meetings">attend a Patents Customer Partnership Meeting</a>, which provides you with opportunities to meet with USPTO representatives in a collaborative environment.</p><p>The USPTO team members are here to answer your questions about the entire process. <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/contact-us" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="956f8490-10e8-4bf0-8f2e-05342a6c58ae" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Contact us">Call or email the staff (via our Contact Us webpage)</a> on informal matters, <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents/maintain/responding-office-actions" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="2645b952-3841-442b-ad6f-4e7ca7e75b97" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Responding to Office Actions">respond formally to official letters such as Office actions</a>, and <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/support-centers/patents-ombuds-office" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e340cd2a-88f3-4708-acf2-5cb6dcc1de1b" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Patents Ombuds Office">contact the Patents Ombuds Office for further assistance</a>.</p><h3>Are we done?</h3><p>The short answer is no. We will never be done with our work to improve the robustness and reliability of granted patents. In an increasingly interconnected global economy and with the advent of emerging technology such as AI, there will always be new opportunities and threats that can affect the quality of patents.</p><p>But a robust and reliable patent system ensures that important innovative breakthroughs and achievements reach American households. It encourages innovators and potential investors to dedicate human and financial resources to technological advances that improve the quality of daily life and expand the storehouse of American know-how for future generations. Through rigorous assessment standards and innovation of our own, the USPTO will continue to ensure that the innovation that fuels our economy, creates jobs, and solves world problems will remain protected.</p><p>If you have suggestions for further improvements, please email me at <a href="mailto:Director@uspto.gov">Director@uspto.gov</a>.<br>&nbsp;</p></div> </div>

2. Advancing the AIA’s goal to strengthen the U.S. IP system

   <article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/obama-signs-aia.jpg" alt="A man in a suit and tie sits at a desk on a stage surrounded by a group of adults and two girls as their photo is taken." /> </div> </article> <p>Surrounded by lawmakers, officials, and students, President Barack Obama signs into law the AIA at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Virginia, on September 16, 2011. (Photo courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library)</p> <p>The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA), the most significant patent legislation of the last 25 years, was enacted in 2011. Today we’re taking a moment to look back at one of the biggest changes the AIA made: the creation of new and efficient proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB).</p> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p>In these AIA proceedings, the PTAB, when requested by a petitioner, is tasked with addressing questions of patentability. Although not a requirement to file a petition, in the majority of cases, the petitioner has been sued by the patent owner in district court for infringement of a patent and is requesting that the PTAB address the patentability of the asserted patent claims.</p><p>The PTAB judges, who are impartial experts in both the law and the specific area of technology in question, are uniquely well-suited to address questions of patentability under the standards set forth by Congress. They hold themselves to the highest standards in all they do.</p><h2>Ensuring strong IP rights</h2><p>The PTAB hears cases challenging the validity of claims in granted patents (called “AIA proceedings”) or appealing the rejection by an examiner of an application for a patent (called “ex parte appeals”). <a href="#1">(1)</a></p><p>The most common AIA proceedings are inter partes review (IPR) proceedings, which are initiated when a member of the public, known as the petitioner, files a petition challenging certain claims in the patent selected by the petitioner. <a href="#2">(2)</a> Judges decide cases on the merits through objective review of the evidence and arguments and in accordance with the requirements in the law enacted by Congress and the president.</p><p>Where a petitioner’s evidence and arguments fall short, the PTAB judges maintain the validity of the challenged patent rights. Where the petitioner’s evidence and arguments demonstrate that the challenged patent lacks novelty or is obvious, the PTAB is required to invalidate claims that, if left standing, can weaken the strength and reliability of the patent system.</p><p>In the 13 years since AIA proceedings were created, USPTO leadership has worked, within the bounds of our authority in the law, to minimize any procedures that might be manipulated to unfairly burden patent owners, including abusive practices or multiple attacks on the same patent claims <a href="#3">(3)</a>, while still performing the important role of policing overbroad patent claims that could exact a toll on the public, as the AIA intended.</p><h2>By the numbers</h2><p>In the universe of patents in force, only a small fraction of patents are challenged before the PTAB. <a href="#4">(4)</a></p><p>Since AIA proceedings began over a decade ago, almost 70% of challenged patents have been upheld at the PTAB. <a href="#5">(5)</a></p><p>For instance, of the 1,037 patents involved in an AIA proceeding that concluded in fiscal year 2024, 349 patents (34%) lost one or more claims in a final written decision, and 141 patents (14%) lost all claims. <a href="#6">(6)</a> Although most IPR proceedings (approximately 80%) involve a challenge of a patent also at issue in co-pending district court litigation, the reverse isn’t true. Third-party data indicates that only 20-30% of patents asserted in district court are challenged in AIA petitions at PTAB, meaning that sued defendants are strategic in what they do. <a href="#7">(7)</a></p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--blog-image paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/ptab-mock-oral-argument.jpg" alt="With her back to the camera, a woman appears before three people seated in front of her on a dais. " /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-blog-image-caption field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p><span>Mock oral argument is held at the PTAB at the USPTO's headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, on February 11, 2020. (Photo by Jay Premack/USPTO)</span></p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><h2>Important changes over the years</h2><p>Implementing the AIA provisions, including the development of rules and proceedings for the PTAB, is a critical and continuous responsibility. Lessons learned and stakeholders’ feedback have led to positive changes in the PTAB’s practices and procedures. The USPTO in the last 13 years has:</p><ul><li>Revised its rules to change the standard used by the PTAB to construe patent claims to align it with the district courts. <a href="#8">(8)</a></li><li>Implemented policies to curb multiple AIA petitions that might have the effect of harassing patent owners. <a href="#9">(9)</a></li><li>Implemented a policy to avoid duplicative parallel proceedings in district courts and the PTAB and issued clarifications to this policy in 2022 to ensure its consistent application. <a href="#10">(10)</a></li><li>Implemented a program to allow patent owners to request preliminary guidance from the PTAB in response to a motion to amend and to allow patent owners the option to file one additional revised motion to amend in an AIA proceeding. <a href="#11">(11)</a></li><li>Implemented the Director Review process that allows parties involved in inter partes proceedings to seek review of AIA decisions, including institution decisions, by the Director. <a href="#12">(12)</a></li><li>Created a process to allow individuals to nominate any routine PTAB decision for designation as precedential or informative, or to nominate for de-designation any PTAB decision that was previously designated as precedential or informative. <a href="#13">(13)</a></li></ul></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><h2>Engaging and educating practitioners and the public</h2><p>Equally as important as the AIA’s policy changes are its emphasis on expanding the innovation ecosystem. To meet this intent of the law, the USPTO has expanded outreach to the public and provided resources for parties who appear before the PTAB.</p><p>The USTPO hosts two regular, no-cost, virtual programs:</p><ul><li>Bi-monthly “<a href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab/events/boardside-chats" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="879c088c-132e-4a13-9042-e3429f2f9ec3" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="PTAB Boardside Chats">Boardside Chats</a>” to address best practices and answer questions raised by attendees.</li><li>Monthly “<a href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab/events/inventor-hour" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="c446a418-ab26-4985-b898-39df21bb4955" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="PTAB Inventor Hour">Inventor Hour</a>” webinars covering PTAB proceeding basics, oral hearing protocols, statistics, and other useful information for independent inventors and those new to the PTAB.</li></ul></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab/free-legal-assistance" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="86a8944b-34ea-4cfc-9544-e990bc980bf9" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Patent Trial and Appeal Board Pro Bono Program for independent inventors ">In collaboration with the PTAB Bar Association, the USPTO created the PTAB Pro Bono Program</a> to match volunteer patent professionals with financially under-resourced inventors, inventor groups, and inventor-owned small businesses to provide no-cost legal assistance in ex parte appeals. As part of our commitment to fostering a strong and vital patent system, the USPTO has developed multiple opportunities for early career legal professionals to gain experience practicing before the PTAB:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab/leap" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="cd435b46-52bc-422a-b00c-bfb109a4040b" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Legal Experience and Advancement Program (LEAP)">Legal Experience and Advancement Program</a> (LEAP) to provide training and oral advocacy opportunities before the PTAB for less-experienced attorneys.</li><li><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab/moot-court-competition" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e6fa2703-ad52-4cfb-b1b7-ef212ca1d921" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="PTAB Moot Court Competition">Moot Court Competition</a> to provide law students a structured opportunity to learn and practice advocacy skills in AIA trial proceedings.</li><li><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab/ptab-judicial-law-clerk-program" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="db6ecb2b-feb0-41e2-a009-2be13c82022e" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="PTAB Judicial Law Clerk Program">Judicial Law Clerkship</a> for recent law school graduates and newer attorneys to gain firsthand exposure to PTAB proceedings and assist PTAB judges in the decision-making process.</li><li><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab/ex-parte-appeal-roadshows" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="9aba849e-1afa-4192-aa1d-b8ad666e0413" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Ex Parte Appeal Roadshows">Appeal Roadshows</a> to meet practitioners, inventors, and members of the public in cities across the country for education about ex parte appeals.</li><li><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab/ptabttab-stadium-tour" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="2149fe2c-2325-4d9f-bc1a-9a724a136819" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="PTAB/TTAB Stadium Tour">“Stadium Tours”</a> in collaboration with the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to bring actual proceedings to law schools nationwide to increase accessibility.</li><li>And most recently, a new <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab/education-clinic-form" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="638532ca-7760-4527-9002-9011e06ff5a6" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="PTAB Education Clinic appointment form">Education Clinic</a>, staffed by volunteer former PTAB judges, to help guide and educate members of the public—from independent inventors to small businesses to large corporations—on all PTAB proceedings. These volunteer former judges are all members of the Association of American Patent Judges.</li></ul></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p>In addition to these initiatives, the USPTO has recently expanded access to practice before the PTAB by modifying the rules regarding representation by counsel in AIA proceedings. This allows parties to proceed without backup counsel upon a showing of good cause, such as a lack of financial resources to hire both lead and backup counsel. The rules also establish a streamlined alternative procedure for recognizing counsel pro hac vice (when a court grants a lawyer limited license to practice in a jurisdiction where they otherwise would not be licensed to do so). <a href="#14">(14)</a></p><p>The USPTO also regularly engages with judges in other jurisdictions to share information and learn more about how they handle patent disputes. Over the past two years, PTAB judges have participated in discussions with federal district court and appellate judges about PTAB processes, claim construction, and the interplay between parallel proceedings in multiple jurisdictions. We also have engaged in discussions with judges at the U.S. International Trade Commission, as well as <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/patent-policy/ip5" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="bf4dd1ff-c620-4e06-8b68-6d271d6fb930" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="IP5">our international peer tribunals in the IP5 forum of the world’s five largest patent offices</a>, to compare and contrast our respective proceedings.</p><p>The USPTO also ensures that feedback and input from the PTAB proceedings are used to improve examination of related patent applications. For example, patent examiners are made aware of petitions and outcomes in AIA proceedings so that the evidence and the PTAB’s findings can be considered in ongoing prosecution of related patent applications.</p><p>We will continue to refine, as needed, AIA processes at the USPTO to ensure that these proceedings remain fair and transparent and that they benefit all parties who appear before the PTAB, the patent system at large, and America’s innovation economy.</p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--blog-image paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/new-judge-swearing-in-20240118.jpg" alt="About a dozen people in suits stand for a portrait in front of the U.S. and USPTO flags." /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-blog-image-caption field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>New judges at their swearing-in gather with PTAB and USPTO leadership at the agency's headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, in 2024. (USPTO photo)</p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><hr><ol><li><a class="ck-anchor" id="1"></a>The PTAB also hears ex parte appeals from the rejection of claims in reexamination proceedings and reissue applications, which involve claims in an issued patent.</li><li><a class="ck-anchor" id="2"></a>A petitioner can be anyone except the patent owner or the U.S. government.</li><li><a class="ck-anchor" id="3"></a>For example, to curb multiple AIA petitions that might have the effect of harassing patent owners and might affect what some have termed “quiet title,” the USPTO issued guidance and decisions that identify information PTAB will consider when determining whether to deny institution of an AIA trial when a petitioner files more than one petition. See, e.g., <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/General%20Plastic%20Industrial%20Co.%2C%20Ltd.%20v.%20Canon%20Kabushiki%20Kaisha%20IPR2016-01357_Paper%2019_.pdf" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="321adfed-b1ba-49cb-b216-f378baaea28a" data-entity-substitution="media" title="General Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd. v. Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, Case IPR2016-01357 (PTAB Sept. 6, 2017) (Paper 19), Section II.B.4.i."><i>General Plastic Indus. Co. v. Canon Kabushiki Kaisha</i></a>, IPR2016-01357, Paper 19 (PTAB September 6, 2017) (designated precedential October 18, 2017); <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Valve%20Corp.%20v.%20Elec.%20Scripting%20Prods.%20Inc.%20IPR2019-00062%2000063%2000084%20%28Paper%2011%29.pdf"><i>Valve Corp. v. Elec. Scripting Prods., Inc.</i></a>, IPR2019-00062, Paper 11 (April 2, 2019) (designated precedential May 7, 2019) (Valve I); <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Valve%20Corp.%20v.%20Elec.%20Scripting%20Prods.%20Inc.%20IPR2019-00064%2000065%2000085%20%28Paper%2010%29.pdf" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="7adaab9c-6e00-4186-85ab-862888b2e5b6" data-entity-substitution="media" title="Valve Corp. v. Elec. Scripting Prods. Inc. IPR2019-00064 00065 00085 (Paper 10).pdf"><i>Valve Corp. v. Elec. Scripting Prods., Inc.</i></a>, IPR2019-00064, Paper 10 (May 1, 2019) (designated precedential August 2, 2019) (Valve II); <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ApplevUnilocIPR202000854Paper9Oct282020.pdf" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="de7b97e0-d005-470f-b8b4-3ff22fef41be" data-entity-substitution="media" title="ApplevUnilocIPR202000854Paper9Oct282020.pdf"><i>Apple Inc. v. Uniloc 2017 LLC</i></a>, IPR2020-00854, Paper 9 (October 28, 2020) (designated precedential December 4, 2020); <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/tpgnov.pdf" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="9b6a4e6c-e925-4dd7-9379-5cfb0c78825f" data-entity-substitution="media" title="tpgnov.pdf">PTAB’s Consolidated Trial Practice Guide</a> (November 2019), pp. 59-61. After the USPTO issued such guidance, petitioners have filed fewer multiple petitions, and PTAB has instituted fewer AIA trials based on such petitions, and only under certain rare circumstances. See <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/executive_summary_ptab_multiple_petitions_study_fy2021-2022_update.pdf" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="727191dd-7e7f-49ed-9426-90ec60dcc42e" data-entity-substitution="media" title="executive_summary_ptab_multiple_petitions_study_fy2021-2022_update.pdf">Multiple Petition Study FY 2021-2022 Executive Summary (uspto.gov)</a>.</li><li><a class="ck-anchor" id="4"></a>See <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ptab_aia_fy2024__roundup.pdf" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="d6f58838-44ff-4455-bed4-032d271a59f4" data-entity-substitution="media" title="ptab_aia_fy2024__roundup.pdf">PTAB AIA FY2024 roundup (uspto.gov)</a>, slide 14.</li><li><a class="ck-anchor" id="5"></a>Id. at slide 15.</li><li><a class="ck-anchor" id="6"></a>Id. at slide 14.</li><li><a class="ck-anchor" id="7"></a>See <a href="https://www.rpxcorp.com/data-byte/the-overlap-between-patents-asserted-in-district-court-and-challenged-at-the-ptab/">RPX report (June 1, 2023)</a> (stating that “district court litigation has remained a key driver of PTAB proceedings, as 79% of the patents challenged in IPR petitions (out of a total of around 8,860 patents) were first asserted in district court” and also “[o]f the roughly 25,010 patents that have been the subject of complaints filed in district court from September 16, 2011, through May 26, 2022, just under 7,020 of those patents, or 28%, have been hit with subsequent petitions for IPR. . . . Put another way, nearly three quarters of the patents asserted in district court cases (72%) do not see a subsequent IPR petition”); <a href="https://www.rpxcorp.com/data-byte/the-ptab-sees-a-relatively-small-percentage-of-patents-litigated-in-district-court">RPX report (September 16, 2020)</a> (“Of the roughly 19,500 patents that have been litigated in district court since IPR became available, just over 4,330 of those patents, or 22%, have been hit with petitions for inter partes review (IPR), the most common PTAB proceeding by far. Put another way, the vast majority (~80%) of patents asserted in district court cases do not see a subsequent IPR petition.”); see also Saurabh Vishnubhakat et al., Strategic Decision Making in Dual PTAB and District Court Proceedings, 31 BERKELEY TECH. L.J. 45 (2016) (indicating that from September 16, 2012 through June 30, 2015, 12.7% of litigated patents were challenged in PTAB but 86.8% of PTAB proceedings were concurrent with district court); Christian Helmers et al., Patent Validity and Litigation: Evidence from U.S. Inter Partes Review (July 20, 2022), 66 J.L. &amp; ECON. 53 (2023) at 10 n.13 (indicating that from 2012-2017, 18% of patent cases litigated in district court had a parallel IPR in PTAB).</li><li><a class="ck-anchor" id="8"></a>37 CFR §§ 42.100(b), 42.200(b); <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/10/11/2018-22006/changes-to-the-claim-construction-standard-for-interpreting-claims-in-trial-proceedings-before-the">Changes to the Claim Construction Standard for Interpreting Claims in Trial Proceedings Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board</a>, 83 FR 51340 (October 11, 2018).</li><li><a class="ck-anchor" id="9"></a>See supra n.3.</li><li><a class="ck-anchor" id="10"></a>See, e.g., <i>CommScope Techs. LLC v. Dali Wireless, Inc.</i>, IPR2022-01242, Paper 23 (February 27, 2023) (designated precedential Feb. 27, 2023); <i>NXP USA, Inc. v. Impinj, Inc.</i>, IPR2021-01556, Paper 13 (September 7, 2022) (designated precedential September 7, 2022); <i>Sotera Wireless, Inc. v. Masimo Corp.</i>, IPR2020-01019, Paper 12 (December 1, 2020) (designated precedential December 17, 2020); <i>Snap, Inc. v. SRK Tech. LLC</i>, IPR2020-00820, Paper 15 (October 21, 2020) (designated precedential December 17, 2020); <i>Apple Inc. v. Fintiv, Inc.</i>, IPR2020-00019, Paper 11 (March 20, 2020) (designated precedential May 5, 2020); <i>NHK Spring Co. v. Intri-Plex Techs., Inc.</i>, IPR2018-00752, Paper 8 (September 12, 2018) (designated precedential May 7, 2019); <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/interim_proc_discretionary_denials_aia_parallel_district_court_litigation_memo_20220621_.pdf" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="db2c42b3-31e4-4397-93fb-6ed94b48c4f8" data-entity-substitution="media" title="interim_proc_discretionary_denials_aia_parallel_district_court_litigation_memo_20220621_.pdf">Director Guidance Memorandum, Interim Procedure for Discretionary Denials in AIA Post-Grant Proceeding With Parallel District Court Litigation</a> (June 21, 2022).</li><li><a class="ck-anchor" id="11"></a><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/03/15/2019-04897/notice-regarding-a-new-pilot-program-concerning-motion-to-amend-practice-and-procedures-in-trial">Notice Regarding a New Pilot Program Concerning Motion to Amend Practice and Procedures in Trial Proceedings Under the America Invents Act Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, 84 FR 9497</a> (March 15, 2019); <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/09/18/2024-21134/rules-governing-motion-to-amend-practice-and-procedures-in-trial-proceedings-under-the-america">Rules Governing Motion To Amend Practice and Procedures in Trial Proceedings Under the America Invents Act Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, 89 FR 76421</a> (September 18, 2024).</li><li><a class="ck-anchor" id="12"></a><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/01/2024-22194/rules-governing-director-review-of-patent-trial-and-appeal-board-decisions">Rules Governing Director Review of Patent Trial and Appeal Board Decisions</a>, 89 FR 79744 (October 1, 2024).</li><li><a class="ck-anchor" id="13"></a><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab/ptab-decision-nomination" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="265cb8fc-14ab-47c5-aa2e-5d07a9e422b4" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Nomination for Designation or De-Designation of PTAB Decisions">Submission form for Nomination for Designation or De-Designation of PTAB Decisions</a>.</li><li><a class="ck-anchor" id="14"></a><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/10/2024-23319/expanding-opportunities-to-appear-before-the-patent-trial-and-appeal-board">Expanding Opportunities To Appear Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, 89 FR 82172</a> (October 10, 2024).</li></ol></div> </div>

3. Giving thanks to our inventors

   <article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/patty-lipka-and-reggie-duncan-make-oobleck-dirty-hands-1500x778.jpg" alt="A man and a woman stand over a mixing bowl in a kitchen studio, their hands covered in a white, gooey substance. " /> </div> </article> <p>Educators Patty Lipka of the Cade Museum and the USPTO's Reggie Duncan make Oobleck out of corn starch. (Screenshot by USPTO)</p> <p>If you’ve ever helped cook a delicious Thanksgiving feast, you know just how much effort goes into the meal. From peeling spuds for a classic side dish, to getting the perfect roast on your chosen bird, to the dreaded clean-up duty after everyone has had their fill of pie, this celebration is made possible by hard work – and generations of inventors. The USPTO and Cade Museum have teamed up to explore Thanksgiving through innovation education.</p> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p>Creative minds throughout American history have designed some of the basic kitchen products we use every day that make cooking so much easier. From the pop-up timer that measures the temperatures of our turkeys to the ovens we cook them in, we give thanks to these inventors. That's why, in these new, do-it-yourself videos with our friends at the <a href="https://cademuseum.org/">Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention in Gainesville, Florida</a>, we're inviting you to learn about intellectual property (IP) in the kitchen.&nbsp;</p><p>Inventors make life easier in ways big and small, and mealtime is no exception. In food production, preservation, and safe cooking practices, Americans use patented technology in the kitchen every day. The potato peeler, vegetable shortening, and storage containers used for leftovers are just a few examples of commonly used innovations with technology protected by patents. Patents provide protection throughout the food chain by giving the inventors of unique products the exclusive rights over their inventions for a period of time so they can potentially license its use in the market, where it’s purchased by consumers (and aspiring cooks) like you.&nbsp;</p><p>The USPTO is teaming up with the Cade Museum on invention education activities participants can enjoy from their kitchens. This series of videos – starting with one on November 6 and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oluA1APklM">with the newest video debuting today</a> – show with hands-on lessons how major technological advances of past innovators are still used today. &nbsp;</p><div data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="8565c219-a44c-4bd6-af9d-7f7258a26406" data-embed-button="video" data-entity-embed-display="view_mode:media.media_teaser" class="align-center embedded-entity" data-langcode="en"><article class="media media--type-remote-video media--view-mode-media-teaser"> <div class="video-icon-print"> <span class="fab fa-youtube fa-2x"></span> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-oembed-video field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <h2>Getting corny: Let’s make Oobleck!</h2> <div class="teaser-container row"> </div> </article></div> <p>In four videos, participants will get a tour of making a Thanksgiving meal through the lens of science and IP. Families will learn about some historic examples of mealtime innovation while inspiring the next generation of innovators to think creatively, solve problems, and make something new out of common household items.&nbsp;</p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--pull-quote-text paragraph--view-mode--rss pull-quote-right"> <div class='pull-quote'> <div class='quote-text'> <div class="field field--name-field-pull-quote-text-blog field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">The kitchen is the perfect place to practice Inventivity®. We hope that this series inspires families across the country to get curious about the inventions around them.</div> </div> <div class='quote-attribution'> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-pull-quote-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Patty Lipka of the Cade Museum</div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p>Using cooking and kitchen implements as examples, these videos demonstrate that some of the more unexpected things in our lives all have patents and protected IP behind them. That’s where the USPTO comes in, helping inventors safeguard their valuable ideas through patents and trademarks, incentivizing future innovation.</p><p>“The kitchen is the perfect place to practice Inventivity®,” says Patty Lipka, director of experiential education at the Cade Museum, and a co-star of this series. “We hope that this series inspires families across the country to get curious about the inventions around them and recognize that creativity and inventiveness live inside us all.”</p><p>Videos will be released on Wednesdays throughout the month of November, so families can purchase supplies before the weekend. Learners of all ages are encouraged to get their hands dirty and explore scientific concepts like melting points and non-Newtonian fluids. Young innovators will learn about viscosity while making Oobleck, a sticky substance whose primary ingredient is cornstarch. Educators will unlock the science behind a pop-up turkey timer and help young musicians make a kazoo out of wax paper. Families will explore the concept of hydrophobic substances while making play clay out of a favorite dessert ingredient: cocoa.&nbsp;</p><p>“Science, invention, and IP are all around us every day, and anyone can be an inventor,” says <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/reggie-duncan" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="29bc1be7-474a-404e-983c-2ef5530398bb" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Reggie Duncan">Reggie Duncan, a USPTO education program specialist and past recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching</a>. “I love how these videos can unlock the wonderful world of invention for kids of all ages with materials from around the home, a sprinkle of curiosity, and a dash or two of fun!” &nbsp;</p><p><span class="TextRun SCXW231391073 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">This culinary campaign also pays homage to some of the inventors who made our modern Thanksgiving meals possible.</span></p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--blog-image paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/Thanksgiving-inventors-3x2.jpg" alt="A photo of inventor Josephine Cochrane flanked by patent drawings from Martha Jones and Alfred Cralle’s inventions." /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-blog-image-caption field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>From left to right: Patent drawing of Martha Jones' corn husker, photo of Josephine Cochrane, and patent drawing of Alfred Cralle's ice cream scoop. (USPTO photo-illustration)</p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p>In 1868, Martha Jones of Amelia County, Virginia, received a patent for a corn husker that was capable of “husking, shelling, cutting up the basics, and separating them from the grain in one operation.” One of the first known African American women to receive a U.S. patent, her machine made preparing one of the most commonly used vegetables more convenient. &nbsp;</p><p>Three decades later, Alfred Cralle invented the one-handed ice cream scoop while working as a porter in a Pittsburgh hotel. Cralle noticed that servers had difficulty scooping ice cream; it required two hands and at least two serving utensils. Cralle’s solution, a mechanical scoop with a built-in scraper, made it possible to do the job one-handed. If you like your pie a la mode, thank Alfred Cralle!</p><p>Inventors even made meal clean-up and storage easier. <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/journeys-innovation/historical-stories/ill-do-it-myself" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="ec202c3b-08d7-4a5b-8213-9278cf42498d" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="&quot;I'll do it myself&quot;">In 1886, Josephine Cochrane received a patent for the first commercially viable dishwashing machine</a>. After growing frustrated with her fancy dinnerware getting chipped during hand-washing, she determined, “If nobody else is going to invent a dishwashing machine, I'll do it myself.” &nbsp;</p><p>Whether you’re making a quick lunch or an elaborate holiday spread, Jones, Cralle, Cochrane, and thousands of other inventors have improved our experiences in the kitchen. We hope that introducing invention education to kids early on will spark the next great culinary discovery.</p><p>These free educational videos, including a list of ingredients and instructions, will be posted on the USPTO’s YouTube channel every Wednesday throughout November. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9BtHzl4w-dm7wpYtPyQkT9QVuv34T3TE">Check out the playlist and subscribe</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>Thank you to all of our inventors, past, present, and future. We wish you a very happy Thanksgiving.</p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--blog-image paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/taping-a-video-in-the-museum-kitchen-3x2.jpg" alt="A behind-the-scenes shot showing lighting and several cameras recording a man and a woman in a kitchen studio. " /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-blog-image-caption field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Patty Lipka of the Cade Museum and the USPTO's Reggie Duncan tape a video in August 2024 in the museum's kitchen in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Michael Connor/USPTO)</p></div> </div>

4. Changing the world through innovation: Celebrating and empowering people with disabilities

   <article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/joi1023_rbryantcampinvent.jpg" alt="Robert Bryant in a yellow polo shirt and khaki shorts with a National Inventors Hall of Fame medal around his next observes a young girl with brown hair, blue shirt, and blue shorts explain her project in a classroom" /> </div> </article> <p>A young Camp Invention participant shows Dr. Robert Bryant, a prolific inventor and NASA scientist with a visual disability, a miniature finger-board skate park that she designed, engineered, and built. (Photo courtesy of Debbie Leanne Portraits)</p> <p>October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The USPTO’s focus on inclusive innovation is to help lift up innovators, including the 29% of American adults with disabilities. Through our National Strategy for Inclusive Innovation, among other initiatives, we&#039;re working to make USPTO resources more accessible to people with disabilities. I joined Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and other leaders at the Department of Commerce’s first-ever National Disability Leadership Summit on September 17 to discuss how the USPTO’s important work in this area reflects the Biden administration’s focus on empowering people of all ability levels.</p> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW221669075 BCX0"><p>During the month of October, <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/ndeam">we’re celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month</a> to help raise awareness of all the contributions that people with disabilities bring to their workplaces, the innovation ecosystem, and to society as a whole. The USPTO is here to help all creators – current and aspiring – transform their innovative ideas into products and services that benefit society and grow the U.S. economy. <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/initiatives/equity" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="c16e8cdc-d928-4f2a-bbcc-0518afd0bf55" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Inclusive innovation">Our focus on inclusive innovation</a> is to help lift up innovators from all backgrounds, including <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html">the 29% of American adults with disabilities</a>.</p><p>Through key projects and initiatives, including <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/initiatives/equity/national-strategy-inclusive-innovation" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="2606ec69-36d7-4c5d-95a8-c8747ea3bf18" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="National Strategy for Inclusive Innovation">our recently released National Strategy for Inclusive Innovation</a>, we are working to make USPTO resources more accessible to people with disabilities so they can better navigate the intellectual property system and protect their innovations. I was honored to join Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and other leaders at the Department of Commerce’s (DOC’s) first-ever <a href="https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2024/09/office-faith-based-and-neighborhood-partnerships-hosts-commerces-first-ever">National Disability Leadership Summit on September 17</a> to discuss how the USPTO’s important work in this area reflects the Biden administration’s focus on empowering people of all ability levels. As Secretary Raimondo noted in her remarks at the Summit, in the 34 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act became law, “we’ve made incredible progress” but “there is so much more to do” to meet accessibility goals. “We have to make sure that all Americans, including Americans with disabilities, have access to the opportunities that we’re creating.” I couldn’t agree more.</p><p>Every innovation tells a story about the unique experiences and backgrounds of the innovator, often with the goal of improving the lives of others in similar situations. It's important to share stories of differently abled inventors so more individuals living with disabilities can be inspired to blaze similar trails and change the world for the better. &nbsp;</p><p>One example of a <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/journeys-innovation/audio-stories/engineering-better-life" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="ac4dc629-e953-48c5-b264-2567c05077da" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Engineering a better life">truly inspiring innovator with a disability is Dr. Rory Cooper</a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;<span class="TextRun SCXW221669075 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW221669075 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p></div></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--blog-image paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/cooper-arm.jpg" alt="Cooper in lab in a suit working on a robotic arm" /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-blog-image-caption field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Dr. Cooper with one of the groundbreaking inventions developed at his lab, an “assistive manipulator,” or robotic arm, with an interface that can be controlled by a person's brain instead of being physically manipulated.</p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p>Dr. Cooper has dedicated his career to lifting up people of all abilities. He is a distinguished professor at the University of Pittsburgh and a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) senior scientist. He co-founded an initiative with his university and the VA called the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL). At HERL, he leads a team of fellow inventors who have received 25 U.S. patents related to wheelchairs, robots, and wearable instruments. &nbsp;</p><p>Dr. Cooper’s athletic pursuits and military career were impacted when he was involved in a bicycle accident that left him paralyzed. Despite his injuries, Dr. Cooper’s creative spirit remains strong. “The wheelchair I use, the adaptive vehicle I use, the home modifications I use, they all allow me to be productive and creative and contribute to society,” he says. “What’s important is to create a world where everyone belongs and everyone can contribute.” &nbsp;</p><p>Whether in his lab in Pittsburgh or as part of his public speaking and mentorship around the world, Dr. Cooper’s story has inspired countless others to pursue their own innovations.</p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--pull-quote-text paragraph--view-mode--rss pull-quote-full"> <div class='pull-quote'> <div class='quote-text'> <div class="field field--name-field-pull-quote-text-blog field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">The wheelchair I use, the adaptive vehicle I use, the home modifications I use, they all allow me to be productive and creative and contribute to society. What’s important is to create a world where everyone belongs and everyone can contribute.</div> </div> <div class='quote-attribution'> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-pull-quote-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Dr. Rory Cooper</div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/journeys-innovation/field-stories/visionary-heart" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="de78d2dc-eb1b-4abb-8e91-cb412c3c6dd3" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="A visionary with heart">Another inspiring innovator is Dr. Robert Bryant</a>, who sees innovation in a unique way, in part due to his visual disability. Dr. Bryant was born with oculocutaneous albinism type 2, which results in monocular vision. To describe what it’s like, Dr. Bryant shared that “for [him], the world is like going to a movie theater,” because it’s like he “looks at the world, [but is] not in the world.” He experienced challenges from a very early age. To this day, important tasks, like reading, take extra effort.</p><p>Dr. Bryant is a problem solver and holds 30 patents. His ability to see opportunities missed by others led him to develop a thin electrical-insulation material known as the Langley Research Center-Soluble Imide (LaRC-SI) polymer. Because he knew the polymer had value, Dr. Bryant kept working with it after it wasn’t chosen for the original aerospace project for which it was created. He also wanted his work and its funding to benefit the public, and not be forgotten. &nbsp;</p><p>One of the valuable properties associated with the LaRc-SI polymer is that it’s biologically inert, meaning the human body doesn’t attack it. This unique trait led Dr. Bryant to pivot his work, instead focusing on medical applications. The polymer now extends the life of pacemakers implanted in humans, helping hundreds of thousands of people worldwide avoid having to undergo additional surgeries to replace their existing devices.&nbsp;</p><p>Dr. Bryant is one of many inventors whose belief in themselves, science, and societal progress spurred them to invent miraculous products to solve for the needs of people with many types of disabilities. We invite you to interact with and learn from our stories on the successes of these notable innovators. These individuals have worked tirelessly to knock down barriers for others by blazing trails with their patented technological advances:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/journeys-innovation/historical-stories/brilliant-touch" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="07d6c721-b206-4249-8639-4df0990769b3" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="A brilliant touch">The late Ralph Teetor, blinded by a childhood accident, honed his other senses</a> to create numerous innovations related to the automobile industry, including the first cruise control device.</li><li><a href="https://www.invent.org/inductees/chieko-asakawa#:~:text=Chieko%20Asakawa%20invented%20the%20Home,and%20visually%20impaired%20computer%20users.">Chieko Asakawa, who was blinded in a swimming pool accident as a teenager, creates accessible products</a> for visually impaired people. &nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/journeys-innovation/audio-stories/thinking-herd" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="119ec876-3305-45e8-af0e-ef509b8de547" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Thinking like the herd">Temple Grandin, who couldn’t speak for the first several years of her life, became a well-known inventor</a>, author, and advocate for treating livestock humanely.</li><li><a href="https://www.invent.org/inductees/william-warner">William J. Warner, who suffered a spinal cord injury as a teenager, is an Oscar-winning inventor</a> who created digital editing software and mobility applications.</li></ul><p>Our country succeeds when everyone with dreams of innovation has an equal chance to show the world what they can do. Working together with other agencies and leaders in the private sector, we’re striving to make those dreams a reality for all.</p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--blog-image paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/group-next-to-pto-table.jpg" alt="USPTO employees gather around the agency’s table on September 17 at the National Disability Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., at the Department of Commerce headquarters building. The employees are standing in two groups, on both sides of the table. This photo was taken by Sahar Javanmard from the USPTO." /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-blog-image-caption field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>USPTO employees gather around the agency’s table on September 17 at the National Disability Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., at the Department of Commerce. (Photo by Sahar Javanmard/USPTO)</p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p>At the USPTO, we are working to bolster the diversity of our workforce, in part through hiring employees with all abilities. More than 8% of the USPTO workforce identifies as an individual with a disability. If you’d like to learn more about career opportunities at our agency, please <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/jobs/join-us" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="1dc52c12-f896-4ac9-bc20-2182dd86b252" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Join us">visit the Join Us page on our website</a>.</p><p>If you know of innovators of any ability we should highlight through our <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/journeys-innovation" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="9acd1d6f-d7f5-4458-854e-8ad90784091f" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Journeys of Innovation">Journeys of Innovation storytelling series</a> and other channels, please email us at <a href="mailto:inventorstories@uspto.gov">inventorstories@uspto.gov</a>. We look forward to hearing from you!</p></div> </div>

5. Celebrating 25 years of USPTO’s Public Advisory Committees

   <article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/clinton-bill-signing-1500.jpg" alt="Then-President Bill Clinton signs an appropriations bill that includes the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act into law, in the Rose Garden on November 29, 1999. Clinton is seated and pictured in the middle of the image, surrounded by police and other officials who are standing. The desk Clinton is using to sign the bill says on the front, &#039;a strong budget for a strong America.&#039; The photo was taken by David Scull and provided courtesy of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library." /> </div> </article> <p>President Bill Clinton signs into law an appropriations bill that includes the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act, creating the USPTO Public Advisory Committees (PACs), in the Rose Garden on November 29, 1999. (Photo by David Scull, courtesy of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library)</p> <p>The turn of the new millennium was a time of expansive change and great opportunity. With the digital revolution reaching across the globe, the majority of Americans now had a computer in their home. Rapidly developing technologies drove new sectors of innovation, as well as expanding opportunities for businesses small and large alike.</p> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p><span>More Americans sought to protect their inventions and brands than ever before. In the 1990s, the USPTO saw an exponential increase in both patent and trademark applications, the beginnings of a trend that continues to this day. In response, America’s Innovation Agency took steps to better serve the nation’s innovators. Our agency moved swiftly toward electronic filing for both patent and trademark applicants. We piloted a pioneering work-from-home program. And two new Public Advisory Committees (PACs) took on a vital responsibility – representing the interests of inventors and entrepreneurs across the country.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>On November 29, 1999, President Bill Clinton signed the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act into law. Among other matters, this intellectual property (IP) legislation established the Patent Public Advisory Committee (PPAC) and the Trademark Public Advisory Committee (TPAC). Each made up of nine voting members, the PACs were tasked with reviewing the USPTO’s policies, goals, performance, budget, and user fees, and advising the Director on the best way to move the agency forward. The members themselves were and are steeped in the diverse and rapidly changing IP community, with representatives from small businesses, universities, large corporations, and emerging technologies. Their voices have offered valuable insight and driven change within the agency for over two decades.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Looking back on 25 years, we celebrate a quarter-century of the USPTO’s PACs by asking some key figures to share their accounts on the important impact the PACs have had on their work. (Some accounts have been edited for brevity.)</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><span>Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO&nbsp;</span></h4><p><span>“Happy 25^th anniversary to our Public Advisory Committees and to everyone who has served the USPTO on the PACs over the years! You have helped lift IP within our communities, country, and the world, and shape policies to support our people, our stakeholders, and robust and reliable IP. With your guidance, we have become stronger and more agile. Alongside you, our workforce, our unions, and our stakeholders, we are moving the needle for innovation and entrepreneurship, solving community and world problems, and fostering economic and national security. Thank you for all you’ve done and will continue to do to move our country forward.”</span></p><h4><span>Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Chair, Senate Judiciary IP Subcommittee&nbsp;</span></h4><p><span>“Congratulations to PPAC and TPAC on 25 years of service to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the American public!&nbsp; The PACs plays a crucial role in shaping U.S. IP policies by engaging with inventors, entrepreneurs, businesses, legal experts, and the public.&nbsp; I wish the PACs continued success in helping to shape our IP policy and I look forward to reviewing this year’s annual reports for their valuable insights and recommendations.”</span></p><h4><span>Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Ranking Member, Senate Judiciary IP Subcommittee&nbsp;</span></h4><p><span>“I want to congratulate the PPAC and TPAC for 25 years of public service and to especially acknowledge and thank those who have served on these Committees over its many years. Intellectual property is central to the success of the U.S. economic engine and IP is what makes the U.S. the global leader in innovation. Therefore, we must strive to not only protect IP rights but to also improve these rights so as to make sure that they keep pace with emerging technologies. Both the PPAC and TPAC play an important role in this.”&nbsp;</span></p><h4><span>Vaishali Udupa, Commissioner for Patents</span></h4><p><span>“Happy anniversary to the PPAC committee! The 25-year partnership between the USPTO and PPAC is invaluable to our agency. The PPAC’s guidance and insights on a number of issues, including patent quality and our pendency reduction initiatives,&nbsp;are&nbsp;critical contributions to ensure our actions are informed by these key leaders from the public. I look forward to continuing our collaboration in the years to come. Thank you PPAC members for your hard work and service on the committee.”</span></p><h4><span>David Gooder, Commissioner for Trademarks</span></h4><p><span>“On behalf of the entire Trademarks organization at the USPTO, I congratulate TPAC, and its members – past and present – on the 25th anniversary of the founding of this highly distinguished group of trademark advisors. During my term as Commissioner, the TPAC has helped the trademark office make critical decisions as we navigated a long list of defining challenges, such as the pandemic, our reduction in the resultingly high application pendency, our actions to fight against trademark fraud and scams, our work modernizing 40-year-old IT systems, and the myriad of policy decisions required to launch the Trademark Modernization Act. We at the USPTO, together with brand owners and the entire trademark community, are all stronger for your dedicated service and for that, we thank you sincerely. Happy 25th anniversary, TPAC!</span></p><h4><span>Kathleen Duda, President, POPA</span></h4><p><span>“The Patent Public Advisory Committee (PPAC) has been an important link between the public and the agency, allowing input to the agency that it might not otherwise receive. The Patent Office Professional Association (POPA) appreciates the work of the PPAC and their interaction with the agency and the union.”</span></p><h4><span>Harold Ross, President, National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) 243</span></h4><p><span>“As Vince Lombardi said, ‘The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.’ NTEU 243 appreciates the efforts of each individual on the PACs, and congratulates their achievements. I wish both PACs a happy 25th anniversary.”</span></p><h4><span>Jay Besch, President, NTEU 245</span></h4><p><span>“The Trademark Public Advisory Committee is truly a forum for the public, the agency, and its employees to share information, interests, and perspectives.&nbsp; Our union has been a proud member since it began, and we have seen how valuable working together through this forum has been to promote understanding and reach solutions that are beneficial to all.&nbsp; We look forward to our continued participation.”</span></p><h2><span><strong>PPAC members</strong></span></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><span>Loletta “Lolita” Darden (Chair)</span></h4><p><span>“Intellectual property creation and protection are essential to increasing U.S. competitiveness, job growth, and economic stability. PPAC has provided me the opportunity to advocate for programs that increase awareness among the general public regarding patent protection and procedures and for patent protection systems that address the needs of the solo inventors and small and medium-sized enterprises. Over the past 2 years, as a member of PPAC I have had the opportunity to work closely with Director Vidal on these issues.”</span></p><h4><span>Henry Hadad</span></h4><p><span>“I am privileged to serve on the PPAC, which reviews and provides input on proposed USPTO policies, goals, performance, and budget. The PPAC represents a wide range of USPTO stakeholders that care deeply about the intellectual property system and its role in driving innovation and economic growth.&nbsp; By working closely and collaboratively with our USPTO colleagues, we hope our insights and experience inform the USPTO as it considers how to best protect the existing and emerging technologies that will create a better future.”</span></p><h4><span>Suzanne Harrison</span></h4><p><span>“I joined PPAC with the intent to work with the USPTO to help them think more strategically about how best to utilize patents for the benefit of our nation and our national competitiveness.”</span></p><h4><span>Lateef Mtima</span></h4><p class="text-align-justify"><span>“Service on the PPAC affords its members the unique privilege of assisting the USPTO in its function to promote effective IP protection for American innovators and entrepreneurs and to provide the American public with the training, education, and capacity building programs that will foster respect for IP achievement. I’m especially excited to serve on the PPAC as the USPTO implements the National Strategy for Inclusive Innovation and fulfills the mandate of the Unleashing American Innovators Act to ensure that Americans from every geographic region and all walks of life enjoy the opportunity to cultivate their innovative potential to uplift their individual communities and to benefit our nation as a whole.”</span></p><h4 class="text-align-justify"><span>Marvin Slepian</span></h4><p class="text-align-justify"><span>“As a long-standing inventor, physician-scientist, engineer and developer of medical devices it has been an honor to be selected to serve on PPAC. Having the opportunity to bring years of real-world experience and expertise involving patenting and stewardship of intellectual property of cutting-edge devices, diagnostics and therapeutics – many of which successfully translated to clinical use today with lifesaving impact – has been a personal motivator to contribute to and advance the USPTO innovation mission. Without USPTO patent protection, none of the major device and technologies that are essential for the advancement of health and well-being for so many in the U.S and worldwide would exist today. As a current member of PPAC actively engaged in research and application of artificial intelligence in medicine, engineering, and across many disciplines, it has been a privilege to be engaged with many at USPTO as to how best to integrate, steward, and maximize the advances that this technology offers, to drive the USPTO mission and innovation for America.”</span></p><h4 class="text-align-justify"><span>Olivia Tsai</span></h4><p><span>“I am honored to serve on PPAC in a nation that champions widespread innovation and growth. This unique committee brings together distinguished IP leaders from diverse backgrounds and industries to collaborate with USPTO counterparts towards a common goal of supporting the best patent system in the world. It is my pleasure to listen and advise; the intellectual discussions and friendships made along the way are truly unmatched.”</span></p><h2><span><strong>TPAC members</strong></span></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><span>Adraea Brown (Chair)</span></h4><p><span>“It has been both a privilege and an honor to serve as a member and chair of TPAC. This experience has allowed me to work with some of the best minds in the trademark profession, gain valuable insights into the USPTO, and develop a profound appreciation for the dedicated professionals who collectively make the USPTO one of the leading intellectual property offices in the world. I have immense respect for everyone at the agency and appreciate the collaborative dynamic with Director Vidal, Commissioner Gooder, and their leadership teams who actively seek and welcome our questions and suggestions. I doubt another career experience can top this one.”</span></p><h4><span>Amy Hsiao (Vice Chair)</span></h4><p><span>“I'll admit, I was hesitant at first, not entirely sure what I was stepping into with TPAC. But now, I’m in awe. Serving on TPAC has been nothing short of an incredible journey, providing a unique window into how policies shape the future for American businesses – from fraud prevention to AI innovation. It’s a true honor to witness how government operates. The connections forged and the insights gained from this experience are extraordinary. I walk away with a newfound respect for our government and the dedicated individuals behind it. For me, TPAC is like an intensive MBA program, stretching – in a good way – my understanding beyond law into the realms of business, policy, and beyond. It's truly a rewarding, fun, and incredibly cool experience.”</span></p><h4><span>Valerie Calloway</span></h4><p><span>“It’s an honor to serve on TPAC during its 25th anniversary. Serving with the extraordinary African American women who are the current PAC Chairs is an experience of a lifetime. Exchanging perspectives with a variety of stakeholders to further innovation and business growth is an invaluable experience I’ll treasure forever.”</span></p><h4><span>Rod Enns</span></h4><p><span>“It has been the privilege of my career to serve on TPAC. Trademarks leadership partners with us and genuinely values our input, and the collegiality among TPAC members, some of the most accomplished practitioners in the field, makes for a great environment. I figured TPAC service would be interesting and rewarding, but I didn’t expect it to be so much fun!</span></p><h4><span>Deborah Gerhardt</span></h4><p><span>“Serving on TPAC has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. At a TPAC meeting, the breadth of experience in the room is extraordinary. The USPTO ensures that the TPAC members come from different perspectives: private companies, nonprofits, large law firms, and universities. Each USPTO employee and TPAC member has experienced the world of IP so differently, that every meeting offers opportunities to learn from the extensive experience everyone brings to the table. Thanks to my TPAC service, I have a deeper appreciation for the many ways the USPTO serves the public and works to make the IP ecosystem accessible to everyone.”</span></p><h4><span>Dana Brown Northcott</span></h4><p><span>“It has been a true honor to serve on the TPAC, particularly as we celebrate its 25th anniversary.&nbsp; The partnership and collaboration between TPAC and the USPTO have provided me a first-hand view of the USPTO’s dedication to enabling greater access to crucial IP protection mechanisms, as well as highlighted the USPTO’s commitment to encouraging diversity in innovation and entrepreneurship.”</span></p></div> </div>

6. Update on USPTO response to CrowdStrike IT outage

   <article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/20240722_crowdstrike.jpg" alt="USPTO technical staff assist employees affected by the IT outage" /> </div> </article> <p><span class="ui-provider ed cnp bgu cwk cwl cwm cwn cwo cwp cwq cwr cws cwt cwu cwv cww cwx cwy cwz cxa cxb cxc cxd cxe cxf cxg cxh cxi cxj cxk cxl cxm cxn cxo cxp" dir="ltr">USPTO technical staff assist employees affected by the IT outage. (Photo by Michael Connor/USPTO)</span></p> <p>On behalf of the USPTO, I want to express our gratitude for your patience while we work to mitigate the effects of the CrowdStrike IT outage. This event has significantly affected millions of users globally, and thousands within our USPTO workforce.</p> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p>The USPTO has been diligently working since early Friday morning to restore workstation access for employees across our organization. Fortunately, all of our external, stakeholder-facing systems were minimally impacted and were restored to full operation as of Friday afternoon. The public should have no issues accessing systems such as MyUSPTO, TEAS, or other applications linked to your USPTO.gov account or our public webpages.</p><p>Though a majority of those who lost computer access are now fully online and we project that most of our workforce will be back online before the end of the week, we know employees may have missed previously scheduled meetings or were not able to return your communications. We regret any confusion or uncertainty this has caused you.</p><p>I want to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to our teams who have been at this non-stop for the last few days, working over the weekend to set up an expanded onsite resolution center. I also want to thank the many employees across the organization who have stepped up to help outside of their regular job responsibilities. We will continue providing expanded services and hours until we have every USPTO employee back online. We are also committed to doing everything possible to alleviate the impact this outage has had on our stakeholders.</p><p>Thank you for your patience as we work to get this issue resolved. I appreciate your time and support.</p></div> </div>

7. From military service to the USPTO and back

   <article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/kayley_uh1.jpg" alt="Major Kayley Squire, Air Force policy fellow at the USPTO, during her time in the Air Force as an aide-de-camp" /> </div> </article> <p>Major Kayley Squire as an aide-de-camp during her service in the U.S. Air Force. (Photo courtesy of Kayley Squire)</p> <p>Major Kayley Squire, an Air Force strategic policy fellow and the USPTO’s outgoing senior military advisor, spoke recently with Public Affairs Specialist Christy Whitaker about Squire’s Air Force fellowship with the USPTO and the role she played in enhancing the agency&#039;s military outreach initiative.</p> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p><span>Squire and Whitaker worked together on&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/events/entrepreneurship-essentials-military-community" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="2c7434d1-45fc-4ed3-ab37-1f152986a19a" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Entrepreneurship Essentials for the Military Community"><span>Entrepreneurship Essentials Roadshows</span></a><span> where the military community learns about resources to assist them in starting their own business and the importance of protecting their intellectual property (IP). (This transcript has been edited for brevity.)</span></p><p><span><strong>Whitaker to </strong></span><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/organizational-offices/office-under-secretary-and-director/major-kayley-squire" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="008a1a3a-9654-4234-af05-f6f5b741edbe" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Major Kayley Squire"><span><strong>Major Squire</strong></span></a><span><strong>: </strong></span><strong>Thank you for your service to our country and here at the USPTO. Tell us about yourself and why you joined the military.</strong></p><p><span><strong>Squire:</strong> I’m an active-duty major and just celebrated my 13-year Air Force anniversary. My background is in airfield operations. I’m the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/video/841387/usaf-maj-squire-military-child-service-member"><span>fourth generation</span></a><span> of military service. Thanks to my parents’ service, I knew about scholarship opportunities. I was awarded one to pay for a good chunk of my education, and I joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. [Squire has a bachelor of arts in psychology and linguistics from New York University. Her master of science is from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.]</span></p><p><span>My original service commitment was four years. You ask yourself, why stay in something that often requires sacrifices? It boils down to the people you surround yourself with – and a constant drive to serve the public. Christy, as your husband just retired from the Army, I’m sure you also both went through this at every milestone.</span></p><p><span><strong>Whitaker: </strong></span><strong>You’re returning to the Pentagon?</strong></p><p><span><strong>Squire:</strong> I was an aide-de-camp. I’m headed back as a staff officer at the Air Force Plans and Programs office, doing long-range resource allocation.</span></p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--blog-image paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/kayley-janine-scianna-kv-mary-fuller-camp-pendleton.jpg" alt="From left to right, Major Squire with the USPTO’s Janine Scianna, senior adviser to Director Kathi Vidal; Director Vidal; and Mary Fuller, the Silicon Valley Regional Office’s director, at an Entrepreneurial Essentials event on October 11 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton" /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-blog-image-caption field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p><i><span>From left to right, Major Squire with the USPTO’s Janine Scianna, senior adviser to Director Kathi Vidal; Director Vidal; and Mary Fuller, the Silicon Valley Regional Office’s director, at an Entrepreneurship Essentials event on October 11 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. (Photo by Julie Mason/USPTO)</span></i></p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p><span><strong>Whitaker: </strong></span><strong>Why did you choose to do your fellowship at the USPTO?</strong></p><p><span><strong>Squire: </strong>I was intrigued by the agency's mission and the chance to work at its highest level. You go to a new-to-you agency and get some freedom to define the fellowship and help build it out for future members.</span></p><p><span><strong>Whitaker: </strong></span><strong>Had you heard about the USPTO previously?</strong></p><p><span><strong>Squire: </strong>No. You know what patents are, you know what trademarks are. I didn’t know deeply about intellectual property. I quickly saw the world completely differently: IP, ideas, and innovation are everywhere. I toured the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/global-intellectual-property-academy" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="20a556e9-24d4-4eb0-9276-d3858fbf6549" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="The Global Intellectual Property Academy"><span>Global Intellectual Property Academy</span></a><span>, and the patent for the chair you’re sitting in is on the wall.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>The USPTO’s mission is to get these ideas into impactful public use. Visiting military bases helped me connect with folks who were like, ‘Why the USPTO? Why are you here?’ We need to continue reaching this community.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span><strong>Whitaker:&nbsp;</strong></span><strong>What are some other fellowship highlights?</strong></p><p><span><strong>Squire:&nbsp;</strong>As perhaps the first defense fellow here, I found where the Air Force’s priorities align with the USPTO’s. I helped design my own fellowship even as we increased military outreach.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>I can’t see the world quite the same after this experience. If I heard about intellectual property, it might have been in ways you see in the headlines. I peeled back that understanding by learning from USPTO colleagues.</span></p><p><span>I attended last year’s&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.invent.org/blog/behind-nihf-scenes/2023-inductees"><span>National Inventors Hall of Fame induction</span></a><span> with world-changing inventors. NIHF shows how the USPTO inspires future generations to improve on innovations or invent the next big thing. I looked at my husband and thought this is wildly inspiring. &nbsp;</span></p><p><span>I connected with innovators and entrepreneurs and watched them start and grow businesses. Connecting participants to each other and to resources was the biggest highlight.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span><strong>Whitaker:</strong> </span><strong>How will your USPTO experience help you at the Pentagon?</strong></p><p><span><strong>Squire: </strong>There are relevant lessons in the importance of IP rights, technology transfer, and dual-use technologies for the military and civilians. Having helped create USPTO programs will carry me further.</span></p><p><span>At some point I’ll hang up the uniform and figure out what’s next. Now I know how to find the right people and resources.</span></p><p><span><strong>Whitaker: </strong></span><strong>What’s similar and different between working as a civilian for the last year and military service?</strong></p><p><span><strong>Squire: </strong>There are big differences – by design. The military is more hierarchical. It took a little bit of learning to work in a flatter organization. There’s a lot more autonomy here.</span></p><p><span>I was surprised to see many similarities. The people I worked with got stuff done. That’s something the military instills: Get after this, find a way towards something possible. Other differences are obvious: I chose what to wear every day.</span></p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--blog-image paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/christy-april-22-hq-summit.jpg" alt="USPTO Public Affairs Specialist Christy Whitaker speaking at Military Entrepreneurship Summit on April 22" /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-blog-image-caption field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p><i><span>Whitaker at the USPTO’s Military Entrepreneurship Summit on April 22 in Alexandria, Virginia. (Photo by Jay Premack/USPTO)</span></i></p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p><span><strong>Whitaker:</strong> </span><strong>What other USPTO programs did you help stand up?</strong></p><p><span><strong>Squire: </strong>The USPTO started its military initiatives before I arrived. Thanks to Director Vidal for prioritizing it. Thanks to folks like you, Christy, and to Janine Scianna for building it from scratch.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>I got to expand our programs:</span></p><ul><li><span>We built more touchpoints with DOD to support their innovation needs.</span></li><li><span>We worked with the First Lady’s&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces/"><span>Joining Forces&nbsp;</span></a><span>initiative.</span></li><li><span>We joined an interagency committee advancing an&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/06/09/executive-order-on-advancing-economic-security-for-military-and-veteran-spouses-military-caregivers-and-survivors/"><span>executive order</span></a><span> for military spouses.</span></li></ul><p><span>I would flag an idea internally, and the Office of Human Resources got it over the finish line. In June, it published an administrative leave policy for military spouses relocating due to military orders. They can&nbsp;apply for five days of administrative leave so they don’t use annual leave. Because of all we do to support&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/jobs/veteran-hiring-program" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="0a92ff4e-46e9-44a3-909f-4885c20a5be2" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Veteran and military spouse employment"><span>veterans</span></a><span> and military spouses, we provided a slew of best practices for the White House’s&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Military-Spouse-Hiring-Toolkit_PDF.pdf"><span>toolkit</span></a><span> on hiring military spouses.</span></p><p><span>And the USPTO just became a partner employer in the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://msepjobs.militaryonesource.mil/msep/"><span>Military Spouse Employment Partnership</span></a><span>. This Department of Defense program connects military spouses with nonprofit, corporate, and government employers that are committed to hiring and promoting these valuable employees.</span></p><p><span><strong>Whitaker:</strong> </span><strong>What’s your advice for those interested in joining the USPTO?</strong></p><p><span><strong>Squire: </strong>You can apply through&nbsp;</span><a href="https://uspto.usajobs.gov/search/results/"><span>USAJobs</span></a><span>, the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.hiringourheroes.org/career-services/"><span>Hiring our Heroes</span></a><span> military spouse fellowship, and&nbsp;</span><a href="https://skillbridge.osd.mil/industry-employers.htm"><span>DOD SkillBridge</span></a><span>.</span></p><p><span>Being a part of innovation at its earliest stages and getting updates about what’s happening in technology is significant. If you get a chance to be a part of that, do it.</span></p></div> </div>

8. Working together to tackle patent and trademark pendency

   <article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/20240229_ppac_007.jpg" alt="Kathi Vidal sits at the head of a conference table meeting with members of the Patent Public Advisory Committee" /> </div> </article> <p>Director Vidal discusses pendency and other USPTO initiatives at a recent meeting. (Photo by Jay Premack/USPTO)</p> <p>An efficient and reliable intellectual property (IP) system is critical to innovating, brand building, creating jobs, and solving problems, both here in the United States and around the world. That is why, in addition to our critical policy work—including issuing guidance, engaging in rulemaking, participating in international measures and treaties, providing technical assistance to Congress, and working in the courts—we at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) have been laser-focused on our operations, including, importantly, pendency.</p> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p>When I was confirmed as Director over two years ago, I began listening to external and internal stakeholders on proposed improvements. I heard from nearly 2,000 of my USPTO colleagues on what we could do better for them and for you. In addition to implementing measures to increase patent and trademark quality and uncover and mitigate fraud, we built the objectives of improving patent application pendency (OBJECTIVE 2.3) and improving trademark application pendency (OBJECTIVE 2.4) into the second goal of our <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USPTO_2022-2026_Strategic_Plan.pdf">Strategic Plan</a>. &nbsp;</p><p>While this blog is longer than usual, I want to provide you with a comprehensive overview of our progress toward those objectives and of our general approach to tackling pendency in both our Patents and Trademarks organizations.&nbsp;</p><h2>The challenge</h2><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW48794465 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW48794465 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW48794465 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">I recently spoke at a judicial conference during which one of the other speakers used a term that resonated with me: “inherited backlog.” The USPTO has long been focused on the quality of the patents we grant and the trademarks we register, and rightly so. We know how important robust and reliable IP protection is to our stakeholders and the country. However, unpredictable macro effects, including a pandemic that had an outsized impact on our application inventories, have created an “inherited backlog” of both patent and trademark applications. While our approach to reducing pendency differs in Patents and Trademarks, our efforts to inject new thinking and strategic vision are the same.&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW48794465 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW48794465 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW48794465 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW48794465 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Regarding <strong>patents</strong>, in 2019 the USPTO made a number of decisions to improve patent quality, including increasing the time allotted to examine each patent application and increasing examiner hiring goals to accommodate that additional time. In 2020 and 2021, the USPTO and other IP offices around the world predicted a slowdown in filings and adjusted hiring targets accordingly. However, the slowdown in filings was more modest and short-lived than expected. That limited effect, combined with the increased time allotted per application, as well as the competitive labor market for those with the technical degrees and backgrounds needed for patent examination, resulted in an increased backlog.&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW48794465 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW48794465 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW48794465 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW48794465 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Regarding <strong>trademarks</strong>, during the pandemic more people started their own companies, launched new products, increased cross-border e-commerce, and filed trademark applications to improve their brand protection. That led to unprecedented application levels in fiscal years (FY) 2020 and 2021, some of which were filed fraudulently. &nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW48794465 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p><h2><span class="EOP SCXW48794465 BCX8">The work</span></h2><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW38250104 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW38250104 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW38250104 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Over the past two years, the USPTO leadership has worked with our employee unions—the National Treasury Employees Union 243 and 245 and the Patent Office Professional Association—to implement immediate measures to address pendency times for patent and trademark applications. Concurrently, we have worked on longer-term, root-cause analyses to inform future actions to bring down pendency times without producing unintended impacts on quality or our nationwide workforce. These measures are both pro-employee and pro-stakeholder.</span><span class="EOP SCXW38250104 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW38250104 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW38250104 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW38250104 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">We are also working with our more than 10,000 employees in Patents and nearly 1,200 employees in Trademarks on additional measures to provide an even more efficient, thorough, and well-reasoned review of each application, while enabling the USPTO to deliver IP rights more swiftly over time.</span><span class="EOP SCXW38250104 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p><h2><span class="EOP SCXW38250104 BCX8">Patents</span></h2><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW34527012 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW34527012 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">When I first heard from patent examiners in the summer of 2022, there were three suggestions that consistently rose to the top: optimizing the routing of patent applications, extending working hours, and increasing pay. Each of those suggestions had the promise of not only creating a better employee experience, but also reducing pendency. If examiners could be routed applications that matched their technical backgrounds and be able to more expediently reroute applications that did not, they could spend more quality time efficiently examining the applications in their dockets. If we extended working hours, examiners could work when they were most efficient and could put in longer hours on a given day at their discretion. As for pay, an increase held the promise of not only improving the employee experience and reducing attrition, but also making examiner jobs more competitive in a challenging labor market. Overall, we concluded that to attack the macro trends impacting pendency, we needed to have more patent examiners working on applications every day. That meant we needed to dramatically increase our hiring and decrease our attrition.&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW34527012 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW34527012 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW34527012 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed" lang="EN-US">So</span><span class="TextRun SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> we acted. In 2022, the USPTO began implementing processes for <strong>routing </strong>patent applications to increase the likelihood that a patent application would be assigned to an examiner with the right technical background in the first instance. We also extended <strong>working hours </strong>so examiners would have more flexibility and could increase productivity.</span><span class="EOP SCXW34527012 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW34527012 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW34527012 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">As for <strong>pay</strong>, we recently announced that, <strong>for the first time in nearly 15 years</strong>, we secured an increase in the special rate table that covers nearly 9,000 patent professionals at the USPTO. Moreover, we made adjustments in our award structures to better attract and reward employees who make meaningful contributions to our pendency and quality goals.&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW34527012 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW34527012 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW34527012 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">We have also directly focused on hiring. In FY 2023, 644 patent examiners joined the USPTO. This fiscal year, the agency is on target to exceed our goal of hiring 850 patent examiners. Classes of new examiners are starting monthly through September. &nbsp;We are also working on incentive programs to leverage an all-of-agency approach in support of our examiner hiring and retention efforts. Our push to hire new examiners will continue through at least FY 2025. If you or someone you know is interested in joining or rejoining our great team, please </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW34527012 BCX8" href="https://www.uspto.gov/jobs/become-patent-examiner" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="26565d0d-8620-4963-8707-7be7c85e842f" data-entity-substitution="canonical" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" title="Become a patent examiner"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">visit our recruitment website</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> and apply.</span><span class="EOP SCXW34527012 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW34527012 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW34527012 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">To set our new examiners up for success, the USPTO delivered approximately 423,400 hours of onboarding education in FY 2023. We are also adjusting that education and reimagining the way our Patent Training Academy works, with the goal of keeping examiners more engaged, more connected to our mission, and ultimately more likely to stay in their jobs for years to come.&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW34527012 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW34527012 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW34527012 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">The USPTO is also bringing more tools to examiners, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline their processes. More Like This Document, released in October 2021, lets examiners find documents during patent examinations that are similar to those they previously found useful. Similarity Search, released in September 2022, provides examiners a list of domestic and foreign patent documents similar to the patent application being searched, which can significantly speed up the examination process.</span><span class="EOP SCXW34527012 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW34527012 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW34527012 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">The USPTO also recognizes that optimizing workflow plays a key role in reducing our inventory of unexamined patent applications. Not only are we overhauling our approach to timing and routing, </span><span class="TextRun SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed" lang="EN-US">we</span><span class="TextRun SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> are also making great strides in improving the classification process and exploring the use of AI to get the correct application to the examiner with the relevant expertise.</span><span class="EOP SCXW34527012 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW34527012 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW34527012 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">And, for the first time ever, the USPTO established a research and development unit within Patents to test various new processes before launching them across the entire examining corps. Moving forward, we will have real data to understand how process changes impact quality as well as examining time and pendency. We will also have key data to facilitate discussions between management and the unions so we can be more agile and effective.&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW34527012 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW34527012 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW34527012 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">While the USPTO works to bring pendency down, we have received great feedback from entrepreneurs and others who have applied for speedier consideration of patent applications, sometimes obtaining a patent grant within a year. To help accelerate the application process, we offer free </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW34527012 BCX8" href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/news-updates/uspto-establishes-new-pre-application-assessment-program-help-american" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="80f4d434-afa8-481e-bb00-e0b35954ad7f" data-entity-substitution="canonical" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" title="USPTO establishes new pre-application assessment program to help American inventors"><span class="TextRun Highlight Underlined SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">pre-application assessments</span></a><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> and free </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW34527012 BCX8" href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/news-updates/uspto-extends-successful-pilot-program-helping-first-time-patent-filers" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="eff5c0d2-52b5-4161-a460-edb7e98d4e5c" data-entity-substitution="canonical" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" title="USPTO extends successful pilot program helping first-time patent filers "><span class="TextRun Highlight Underlined SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">expedited consideration</span></a><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> for first-time filers. We also offer expedited processing, at no additional fee, in priority areas such as </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW34527012 BCX8" href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/news-updates/uspto-announces-semiconductor-technology-pilot-program-support-chips-america" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="a4e1d8d9-c906-460c-a400-1e758a3ea740" data-entity-substitution="canonical" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" title="USPTO announces Semiconductor Technology Pilot Program in support of CHIPS for America Program"><span class="TextRun Highlight Underlined SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">semiconductors</span></a><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">, </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW34527012 BCX8" href="https://www.uspto.gov/blog/working-globally-to-address-climate" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="0ab686f6-ac7f-407d-a6e0-abd4d51008c6" data-entity-substitution="canonical" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" title="Working globally to address climate change through sustainable innovation"><span class="TextRun Highlight Underlined SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">green technologies</span></a><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">, and </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW34527012 BCX8" href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents/initiatives/patent-application-initiatives/cancer-moonshot-expedited-examination" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="8adf4e89-6327-439d-9416-5ba531efb5d8" data-entity-substitution="canonical" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" title="Cancer Moonshot Expedited Examination Pilot Program"><span class="TextRun Highlight Underlined SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">cancer treatment and prevention</span></a><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">, </span><span class="TextRun SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">and we offer expedited examination outside those areas for a </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW34527012 BCX8" href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents/initiatives/usptos-prioritized-patent-examination-program" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="bbdb2492-89c1-400e-bf83-4cb69043b0d2" data-entity-substitution="canonical" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" title="USPTO's Prioritized Patent Examination Program"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">fee</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">.</span><span class="EOP SCXW34527012 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW34527012 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW34527012 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">As of March 2024, Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) compliance for pending applications was 80%, matching the goal. For the remaining inventory, it was 81%, also matching the goal. Complying with PTA, which extends the life of a U.S. patent to compensate for delays caused by the USPTO during the prosecution of a patent application, not only decreases pendency, but also avoids extending the 20-year terms of issued patents, so the covered invention enters the public domain when intended.</span><span class="EOP SCXW34527012 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW34527012 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW34527012 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">The average time between filing a patent application and the first office action was 20.2 months in April 2024, reflecting a gradual decrease over many months (as shown on our </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW34527012 BCX8" href="https://www.uspto.gov/dashboard/patents/pendency.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">patent pendency dashboard</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW34527012 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">).</span><span class="EOP SCXW34527012 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p><h2><span class="EOP SCXW34527012 BCX8">Trademarks</span></h2><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW101584591 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW101584591 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW101584591 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">In response to our trademark application inventory boom in FY 2021 and 2022, we increased our hiring goal and took steps to reduce inventory. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW101584591 BCX8 NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed" lang="EN-US">Then, in</span><span class="TextRun SCXW101584591 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> FY 2023, we conducted a top-down, bottom-up, inside-out analysis of how much additional measures could reduce trademark pendency while maintaining quality and improving the employee experience. The development of these measures was a collaborative effort with our employee unions and today, six months into this comprehensive pendency reduction plan, we are seeing promising results.&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW101584591 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW101584591 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW101584591 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW101584591 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">One of the biggest factors in reducing total trademark pendency is reducing first action pendency. The faster we can examine a new application, the more quickly we can get it to resolution. In FY 2023, average annual trademark first action pendency was 8.5 months. This was expected but not where we wanted to be. Near the end of calendar year 2023, we made three key changes:</span><span class="EOP SCXW101584591 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW101584591 BCX8"><ol><li><p class="Paragraph SCXW101584591 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW101584591 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Added information technology (IT) development resources to more efficiently address needed fixes and make improvements in our internal examination system</span></p></li><li><p class="Paragraph SCXW101584591 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW101584591 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Shifted the exceptional office action standard (a measure indicating the comprehensive quality of an office action) from first action to final action, thereby focusing on more concise first actions with a continued emphasis on compliance in proper decision-making</span></p></li><li><p class="Paragraph SCXW101584591 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW101584591 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Introduced new individual and group incentives for first action productivity for examining attorneys</span></p></li></ol></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW101584591 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW101584591 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW101584591 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">The USPTO made these changes on top of hiring additional trademark examining attorneys and staff, finding opportunities to increase efficiency, and launching a new training academy. In FY 2023, the agency hired 85 trademark examining attorneys who received nine months of introductory training (cumulatively approximately 28,900 hours). Two classes graduated in FY 2023, the academy’s first full year. Two more classes are going through training now, including a group of experienced trademark examiners who recently returned to the agency. This fiscal year, the USPTO anticipates hiring approximately 56 trademark examining attorneys. If you are interested in becoming a trademark examining attorney or returning to the agency as one, or if you know someone who might be interested, look for job vacancy announcements in the coming months.</span><span class="EOP SCXW101584591 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW101584591 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW101584591 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW101584591 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Also, in June 2023 we began shifting fraud-related work to our Register Protection Office so examiners could focus on reviewing applications.</span><span class="EOP SCXW101584591 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW101584591 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW101584591 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW101584591 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">As a result of these measures and the great work of our Trademarks organization, average annual first action pendency has decreased to 7.85 months and is dropping, despite a healthy level of new filings (through April 2024, our new trademark application filings were approximately 3% higher than the first seven months of 2023). In addition, our unexamined inventory has been reduced by more than 70,000 classes so </span><span class="TextRun SCXW101584591 BCX8 NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed" lang="EN-US">far</span><span class="TextRun SCXW101584591 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> this fiscal year, a 13.5% decrease.</span><span class="EOP SCXW101584591 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p><h2>IT</h2><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW166696529 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW166696529 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW166696529 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">In addition to the IT-specific advances mentioned above, the USPTO is working across our business units—specifically Patents, Trademarks, and the Office of the Chief Information Officer—to improve the reliability and resiliency of our IT systems through upgrades, retirements, and migration to the cloud.&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW166696529 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW166696529 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW166696529 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW166696529 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">We recently completed the retirement of the decades-old Trademark Reporting and Monitoring (TRAM) system on May 31. Retiring older IT infrastructure such as TRAM sets the stage for providing new, more stable and secure trademark systems in the future. With TRAM behind us, our teams can now focus on tools such as TM Exam and modernize other systems to further support pendency efforts.</span><span class="EOP SCXW166696529 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW166696529 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW166696529 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW166696529 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">This follows the successful retirement in 2023 of our patent-related systems EFS-Web and Private PAIR, with roughly 98% of patent filings now using the modernized Patent Center. Patent Center provides a one-stop shop for our patents customers for filing and managing their applications. In addition, in January 2024, we took the next step in the transition to DOCX filing. Using DOCX filing instead of the outdated PDF method will: provide a more streamlined process for applicants; enable the USPTO to harmonize examination processes across international borders; and strengthen our ability to examine applications quickly and effectively, including by providing patent customers with pre-prosecution checks so they can correct errors or missing information in their application before an examiner takes a first look.</span><span class="EOP SCXW166696529 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW166696529 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW166696529 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW166696529 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Across the USPTO, we are also migrating our systems to the cloud. More than 10 critical systems throughout our agency now run in the cloud, which ensures they run more smoothly and securely. Moving systems to the cloud also enables us to retire other legacy systems or modernize them as we adapt to new demands. With the cloud, IT systems scale more easily and recover more quickly.&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW166696529 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW166696529 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW166696529 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW166696529 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Our teams are also using new engineering practices, and new tools and services, to increase the resiliency of our products and services. In addition, we are reviewing our internal IT workstreams to improve efficiency and ensure those products and services are safe and reliable.</span><span class="EOP SCXW166696529 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p><h2><span class="EOP SCXW166696529 BCX8">Your role in pendency</span></h2><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW78289547 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW78289547 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW78289547 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Like other USPTO initiatives, reducing pendency requires stakeholder participation. You can avoid unnecessary delays by using the USPTO’s suite of tools and platforms. For example, following the guidance at USPTO.gov will, on average, result in patent applications being processed more quickly. There are also answers to hundreds of frequently asked questions for those filing patent and trademark applications. You can browse these questions and answers by topic and search them by keyword. You can also speak with a </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW78289547 BCX8" href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents/contact-patents" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="b359bb5a-ce2b-4c5b-942e-bd27ee466a78" data-entity-substitution="canonical" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" title="Contact Patents"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW78289547 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">patent</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW78289547 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> or </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW78289547 BCX8" href="https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/contact-trademarks" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="ae8794ef-9881-4163-91bb-98837f4c7ec0" data-entity-substitution="canonical" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" title="Contact Trademarks"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW78289547 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">trademark</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW78289547 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> expert.&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW78289547 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW78289547 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW78289547 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW78289547 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">To avoid unnecessary delays, trademark applicants can follow our </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW78289547 BCX8" href="https://www.uspto.gov/node/196716" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW78289547 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">trademark filing t</span></a><a class="Hyperlink SCXW78289547 BCX8" href="https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/apply/avoid-processing-delays" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="2a89cdb1-4fbc-455c-9100-9a53331f0c5e" data-entity-substitution="canonical" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" title="Avoid processing delays with your trademark filings"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW78289547 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">ips</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW78289547 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">; fill out all data fields in electronic filings; and communicate with their assigned examiner by phone and email for routine issues, many of which can be resolved quickly through informal communication. Trademark filers can also use the </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW78289547 BCX8" href="https://tmidm.uspto.gov/id-master-list-public.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW78289547 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Trademark ID Manual</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW78289547 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> to identify the ways in which they plan to use their trademark by linking to specific, pre-approved descriptions of &nbsp;goods and services. By using these descriptions, the USPTO’s review can move more quickly. And on July 1 the USPTO launched a </span><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/apply/trademark-center" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="163a89f9-49ea-4b52-b576-36d4d02ffc2c" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Trademark Center beta is here"><span class="TextRun SCXW78289547 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">public beta version of Trademark Center</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW78289547 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">, a unified platform where users can search, file, and eventually track all aspects of their trademark filings.</span><span class="EOP SCXW78289547 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW78289547 BCX8"><p class="Paragraph SCXW78289547 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW78289547 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Patent applicants can also obtain real-time feedback on their submission by uploading their DOCX documents in </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW78289547 BCX8" href="https://patentcenter.uspto.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW78289547 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Patent Center</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW78289547 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">. The feedback document applicants receive can help prevent unnecessary delays in processing and examination by highlighting certain issues in the application prior to filing (see </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW78289547 BCX8" href="https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uspto.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fdocuments%2FDOCX%2520Feedback%2520Errors%2520and%2520Warnings.xlsx&amp;wdOrigin=BROWSELINK" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW78289547 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">common warnings and errors</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW78289547 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">). To preview the feedback document prior to filing an application, customers can use the Patent Center </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW78289547 BCX8" href="https://patentcenter.uspto.gov/?trainingMode=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW78289547 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">training mode</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW78289547 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">.&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW78289547 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p><h2><span class="EOP SCXW78289547 BCX8">Summary</span></h2><p><span class="TextRun SCXW225759161 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Overall, through data, surveys, employee feedback and business innovation, we are seeing concrete results from our actions. This is the result of great work by the USPTO’s approximately 13,400 employees, including the invaluable contributions of our support staff, and by engaged and supportive stakeholders like you. If you have ideas for ways to help us further reduce pendency, please </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW225759161 BCX8" href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/engage-director" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="c3eed623-c760-4e90-9512-8ff2306b87c2" data-entity-substitution="canonical" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" title="Engage with the Director"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW225759161 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">share them with us</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW225759161 BCX8 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">.</span><span class="EOP SCXW225759161 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div>

9. Discussing examiner hiring with Commissioner for Patents Vaishali Udupa

   <article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/20240410_patents_010.jpg" alt="Commissioner for Patents Vaishali Udupa and TC Director Kiesha Bryant at a table having a conversation" /> </div> </article> <p>Kiesha Bryant (left), a USPTO hiring director, and Commissioner for Patents Vaishali Udupa. (Photo by Jay Premack/USPTO)</p> <p>At the USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, Commissioner for Patents Vaishali Udupa recently sat down with Kiesha Bryant, Director of Technology Center 3700 (mechanical engineering, manufacturing, gaming, and medical devices/processes) and a hiring director at the agency, to discuss the hiring of patent examiners.</p> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p>The USPTO plans to hire at least 800 patent examiners by the end of this fiscal year on September 30. To learn more about the hiring process itself, visit&nbsp;our <a href="/ /node/209010">Become a patent examiner page</a>. (This Q&amp;A has been edited for brevity)</p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--blog-image paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/udupa-bryant_portraits.jpg" alt="Side by side portraits of Commissioner for Patents Vaishali Udupa and TC Director Kiesha Bryant" /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-blog-image-caption field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p><i><span>Commissioner for Patents Vaishali Udupa and Director of Technology Center 3700 Kiesha Bryant</span></i></p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><h3><span>Ms. Bryant to Commissioner Udupa: What’s the USPTO’s strategy for hiring talented professionals who work here for many years?</span></h3><p><span><strong>Udupa:</strong> We want to continue acquiring top-level talent from a variety of scientific and technological backgrounds, as well as in architecture, art, photography, and industrial design. We’re seeking people who have an inquisitive mind. There's no specific intellectual property (IP) background necessary – we'll train you. During the examiner's first four months, they attend our training academy, and for the next eight months they will take on-demand classes while being coached by highly experienced examiners. After the first year, there's ongoing training as they continue to become fully integrated into the agency.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>I have been working in IP for nearly a quarter-century. Early on, I had a lot of interactions with examiners, and I remain very impressed. It’s an amazing, intellectual, dedicated, and adaptive group, with a strong background in science and technology.</span></p><p><span>I’ve talked to so many people who have been working here for 20 years or more, some for even 40 years. People stay because they love the agency, the people they work with, and the work they do.</span></p><h3><span>Udupa to Bryant: In what ways are you working to acquire talent from across the country?</span></h3><p><span><strong>Bryant:&nbsp;</strong>There are qualified scientists and engineers – and people pursuing careers in these fields – all across the country. We've learned that some candidates may not be getting enough attention, because they’re not from the big schools.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Now, we’re focusing more effort on smaller schools. We’ve more than doubled the number of college career fairs we visit to 75-80 each recruiting season. We’re hiring dedicated employees, who are excited to have the ability to achieve work-life balance while still living in their hometowns.</span></p><p><span>During our conversations with potential job candidates, we’re promoting all the benefits of working here. For instance, employees are eligible for financial bonuses based on individual performance alone. And promotions can be achieved without going through a competitive hiring process.</span></p><h3><span>Udupa to Bryant: How is the USPTO engaging with historically Black colleges and universities?</span></h3><p><span><strong>Bryant:&nbsp;</strong>Over the last couple of years, we’ve increased our focus on attending career fairs at HBCUs and minority-serving institutions. When we visit these campuses, we explain how their students’ talents would benefit our agency</span>.</p><p><span>There are also minority-based conferences that we may not have been able to attend in the past. We’re attending these now, and we’re working with the USPTO’s affinity groups to make lasting connections with minority-based institutions. We’re seeing an increase in people applying, and they’re asking us to return to their campuses.&nbsp;</span></p><h3><span>Bryant to Udupa: How did you first encounter the USPTO?</span></h3><p><span><strong>Udupa:</strong> In 1996, the USPTO recruited at the University of Virginia, and I was lucky enough to get an interview. This was my first exposure to the agency, which opened my eyes to the amazing career opportunities at the USPTO.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>You have to be a U.S. citizen to work at the USPTO, and at the time I was ineligible to apply because I was born in Canada and still had my Canadian citizenship. I later obtained my U.S. citizenship, and after finishing law school I did patent-related work at a couple of law firms. I later moved to Hewlett-Packard. Then, I got this great opportunity to join the USPTO as the Commissioner for Patents. People come here to make sure innovation is protected, which helps our economy and national security, and creates jobs.</span></p><h3><span>Udupa to Bryant: When should people apply?</span></h3><p><span><strong>Bryant:</strong> Now. The job announcement is always open. And we hire and interview candidates as early as nine months before their college graduation.</span></p><p><span>We have&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/jobs/whats-it-patent-examiner"><span>virtual office hours</span></a><span> on Wednesdays at noon ET with our hiring managers, to give candidates the opportunity to ask questions in real-time about what the job entails. Then, for information on the status of a job application, an applicant can&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:recruitment@uspto.gov"><span>contact</span></a><span> Human Resources (HR) directly.</span></p><h3><span>Bryant to Udupa:&nbsp;What’s it like to telework, with flexible schedules?</span></h3><p><span><strong>Udupa:</strong> Telework and flexible work schedules are great benefits. Whether you want to come into the office or you want to work remotely from home – whether that’s in Alexandria, Virginia, or some rural area, by the beach, or up in the mountains – you can do that. We give you the equipment to work from wherever you want in the United States.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>I have this great job, but I also have a family and other responsibilities. For example, my kids play sports, and I love to attend their events. Employees have the flexibility to work when it’s convenient, as long as they make sure they meet their productivity requirements.</span></p><h3><span>Bryant to Udupa: For a new examiner, why is this a great place to work?&nbsp;</span></h3><p><span><strong>Udupa:</strong> Just imagine that every day, you receive a patent application on your desk that might be the newest, greatest thing. You get to witness that, be part of that, and help that innovation get protection.</span></p><p><span><strong>Bryant:</strong> I completely agree. Thanks again for taking the time to meet with me.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></span></p><p class="text-align-center"><i><span>To apply to be a patent examiner, go to&nbsp;</span></i><a href="https://www.usajobs.gov"><i><span>usajobs.gov</span></i></a><i><span>.</span></i></p></div> </div>

10. Coming to a community near you: the future of USPTO outreach

    <article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/CESbooth2024.jpg" alt="USPTO staff interacting with attendees at CES 2024" /> </div> </article> <p>USPTO staff share resources with attendees at CES in January 2024. (Photo by Jay Premack/USPTO)</p> <p>Since I began my tenure over two years ago, the USPTO has worked feverishly to increase American innovation and entrepreneurship.</p> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p><span>&nbsp;As part of our efforts, we have expanded our footprint so we can better serve every community across the nation.&nbsp;As I </span><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/subscription-center/2023/unleashing-american-innovators-act-promoting-inclusive-innovation-under" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="a954299c-7be1-4e5b-8312-18a61361c3e3" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="The Unleashing American Innovators Act: Promoting inclusive innovation under the new law"><span>shared</span></a><span>&nbsp;in January of 2023, the Unleashing American Innovators Act of 2022 (UAIA) aligns with and supports these efforts, providing additional momentum for us to make lasting, sustainable change.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>I am excited to report that we have made real progress, with more to come.&nbsp;</span><span class="bumpedfont17">I am pleased to announce (1)&nbsp;progress&nbsp;on&nbsp;our </span><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/news-updates/atlanta-new-hampshire-county-selected-new-uspto-outreach-office-locations" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="c76f5523-f107-4557-9517-8c850d92de81" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Atlanta; New Hampshire county selected for new USPTO outreach office locations"><span class="bumpedfont17">plans to open</span></a><span class="bumpedfont17">&nbsp;a&nbsp;regional&nbsp;outreach office in Atlanta, Georgia and&nbsp;a community outreach office in&nbsp;Strafford County, New Hampshire, (2) new leadership at&nbsp;our&nbsp;Midwest Regional&nbsp;Outreach&nbsp;Office&nbsp;in Detroit, (3) updates to our </span><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/initiatives/ci2/ip-champions" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="5d63678f-4c21-4a90-b06a-6704babcb325" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Intellectual Property (IP) Champions: Connecting USPTO employees with their communities"><span class="bumpedfont17">Intellectual Property (IP) Champions</span></a><span class="bumpedfont17"> program and&nbsp;resources located at&nbsp;local libraries and schools, and (4) updates on the establishment of our&nbsp;Office of Public Engagement&nbsp;(OPE) that will support and coordinate our outreach efforts. Please see below for more details.&nbsp;</span></p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><h3><span>New mapping and outreach offices&nbsp;</span></h3><p><span>With the addition of a new regional outreach office in Atlanta (more on that shortly), we&nbsp;are reshaping the regions each office will serve. The changes, which will be effective upon the opening of the Atlanta office, are as follows:</span><br>&nbsp;</p><ul type="disc"><li><span>Our Northeast Regional Outreach Office (located in Alexandria, VA) will serve outreach for&nbsp;Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span>Our Midwest Elijah J. McCoy Regional Outreach Office in Detroit, Michigan will serve&nbsp;Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span>Our Southwest Regional Outreach Office located in Dallas, Texas will serve&nbsp;Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span>Our Rocky Mountain Regional Outreach Office, located in Denver, Colorado will serve Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.</span></li><li><span>Our&nbsp;Western Regional Outreach Office located in San Jose, California will serve&nbsp;California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Alaska, and Hawaii.&nbsp;</span></li></ul></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--blog-image paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/Regions-map-with-pins-2024-alt.jpg" alt="Regional office map with pins" /> </div> </article> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p><span>We are making progress on our&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/news-updates/atlanta-new-hampshire-county-selected-new-uspto-outreach-office-locations" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="c76f5523-f107-4557-9517-8c850d92de81" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Atlanta; New Hampshire county selected for new USPTO outreach office locations"><span>plans to open</span></a><span> a regional outreach office in Atlanta, Georgia to serve the southeast region of the United States, as well as the first community outreach office in Strafford County, New Hampshire, serving innovators and entrepreneurs in the northern New England region. Our new regional and community outreach offices will serve as extensions of the agency’s outreach operations by providing important resources and services directly to local inventors and entrepreneurs, including those from underserved areas or communities, and by collaborating with community organizations and local professional groups to enhance the reach of our IP awareness and education programs. Our regional outreach offices will continue to serve as hubs for education and outreach as well as playing a key role in employee engagement and connecting our national remote workforce to one another. Our new community outreach office will provide intensive support and resources in a narrow geographic region&nbsp;to boost innovation and entrepreneurship, especially to underserved communities.</span></p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--blog-image paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/new_office_announcement_graphic.png" alt="Graphic with skylines of new offices in Atlanta and Strafford County, New Hampshire" /> </div> </article> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><p><span>The new regional outreach office in Atlanta, which will serve&nbsp;Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, and Tennessee, is expected to be fully opened and operational by December 2025. We are currently&nbsp;taking important steps to locate space and to hire the Regional Outreach Office Director. If you’re interested in the position, and the opportunity to serve and grow the nearly 24,000 patent owners and more than 160,000 trademark owners fueling local economies in the southeast region, </span><a href="https://www.usajobs.gov/job/793390000"><span>apply by July 29</span></a><span>.</span></p><p><span>We are also in the process of locating space for our Strafford County, New Hampshire office and have posted a job announcement for the leader of that office as well. To serve and grow the more than 10,000 patent owners and almost 30,000 trademark owners in New Hampshire and surrounding states, </span><a href="https://www.usajobs.gov/job/793381900"><span>apply by July 22</span></a><span>.&nbsp;</span></p><h3><span>New leadership of Midwest Elijah J. McCoy Regional Outreach Office</span></h3><p><span>I am also excited that long-time USPTO executive </span><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/news-updates/derris-banks-appointed-regional-director-usptos-elijah-j-mccoy-midwest" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="3ccbb0a6-9234-4d37-bf1f-8bc0b629fd19" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Derris Banks appointed regional director of USPTO’s Elijah J. McCoy Midwest Regional Office"><span>Derris Banks&nbsp;was chosen</span></a><span> to lead our Midwest Regional Outreach Office&nbsp;in Detroit. Derris officially began his new role on June 2 and is responsible for leading our outreach efforts in the Midwest area, serving IP owners and connecting more students, educators, inventors, small businesses, incubators, community colleges and four-year universities, and more with important resources.</span></p><h3><span>Patent and Trademark Resource Centers and IP Champions</span></h3><p><span>Our work to extend our IP resources in communities extends beyond our offices and into local libraries and schools. In addition to launching our&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/initiatives/ci2/ip-champions" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="5d63678f-4c21-4a90-b06a-6704babcb325" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Intellectual Property (IP) Champions: Connecting USPTO employees with their communities"><span>IP Champions program</span></a><span>, we have made a concerted effort to expand our network of our 90+&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/patent-trademark-resource-centers" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="453feae1-78d7-459d-9f3d-fb7ef85bae4f" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Patent and Trademark Resource Centers"><span>Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs)</span></a><span>&nbsp;and are growing them at rapid pace in libraries in communities around the country, quadrupling the PTRCs at HBCUs and adding PTRCs in states not previously served.</span></p><p><span>To better help aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs connect with key resources, we have updated our web resources and&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/uspto-office-locations" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="a9d9a81b-a1c5-4c4b-86e8-5342cab43d7d" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="USPTO locations"><span>Locations page</span></a><span> so those new to the innovation ecosystem can find USPTO-related services in their communities.</span></p></div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--blog-image paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-rss"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/Mapandsearchfunction.jpg" alt=" Searchable map of all USPTO locations" /> </div> </article> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--content paragraph--view-mode--rss"> <div class="field__item"><h3><span>Office of Public Engagement</span></h3><p><span>To ensure our regional outreach offices, new community outreach office, and other outreach efforts are properly coordinated to provide lasting, sustainable change and carry out the mission in our recently released&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/initiatives/equity/national-strategy-inclusive-innovation" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="2606ec69-36d7-4c5d-95a8-c8747ea3bf18" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="National Strategy for Inclusive Innovation"><span>National Strategy for Inclusive Innovation</span></a><span> and the&nbsp;National Entrepreneurship Strategy, we established a brand-new business unit focused on public engagement –&nbsp;the Office of Public Engagement (OPE).&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>In addition to bringing together under one umbrella&nbsp;our regional and community outreach offices, we’ve also brought into OPE various outreach units formerly located in other business units, including&nbsp;our&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/initiatives/equity/ci2" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="d1b80b20-ffd5-4652-a474-dc14a7c60f8f" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Council for Inclusive Innovation (CI2)"><span>Council for Inclusive Innovation (CI²)</span></a><span>, IP Champions, and PTRCs to strengthen the impact of our outreach across our country.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>As we move forward, we will continue to be guided by our&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/performance-and-planning/strategy-and-reporting" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="4b48bc8f-c7a9-44e9-bb0a-9c8c47939ad7" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="USPTO Strategic Plan"><span>Strategic Plan</span></a><span> and input from you and those across the USPTO. And, don’t forget to visit our&nbsp;Events page or&nbsp;our&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/subscription-center" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="81b2813f-f203-4aaf-b6c5-0cf5006ce0d7" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Subscription Center"><span>Subscription Center</span></a><span> to sign up to receive information on USPTO events at our headquarters and throughout the country. It will take all of us to make the American dream a reality for all. Join us!</span></p></div> </div>