Patent Office Director Pledges Improvements to U.S. PatentsApril 19, 2018

In a speech to the US Chamber of Commerce, the newly appointed head of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Andrei Iancu, expressed his concern over the current state of the U.S. patent system, and pledged to make improvements within the Patent Office to strengthen and increase predictability.  New laws, courts decisions, and negative commentary over the past several years has discouraged innovation and investment, to the detriment of the US economy. While acknowledging that the PTO must follow the law, Director Iancu seeks to provide more clarity for examiners, patent attorneys and agents, and applicants regarding eligibility. He also discussed potential changes in the Patent Trial and Appeal Board procedures for reviewing issued patents, where he has more latitude.

 

Iancu’s speech also called for an emphasis on the positive benefits the patent system brings to society, as opposed to the faults of the system, such as litigation abuse and “bad” patents. He admitted legitimate differences of opinion on many patent issues, but Director Iancu’s goal is to incentivize and protect the technological advances that promote progress and development in our nation.

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