RSVP Now: What Recent Changes at the Patent Office Mean for American Innovation

Date: Friday, April 25, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM EST
Online Only
RSVP HERE

The U.S. patent system is undergoing radical changes that have drastic implications for all Americans. On Friday, April 25, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM EST, the Public Interest Patent Law Institute (PIPLI) will host an online roundtable with former Patent Office officials, practitioners, and academic that will unpack these changes and what they mean for American innovators, businesses, and consumers.

Why This Matters
Sweeping changes are underway at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that affect all aspects of its operation, including patent examination, trial procedures, examiner resources, workforce dynamics, and the Acting Director’s authority over trial proceedings. These changes will reshape how patents are granted, challenged, and enforced—affecting everyone whose life or livelihood depends on access to patented technology, including medical patients, farmers, and small businesses. This event will bring experts together to tackle critically important questions: How will reduced resources for examiners influence patent quality? What does increased centralized control over trials mean for fairness and efficiency? And how might workforce adjustments alter the office’s ability to keep pace with innovation? These issues strike at the heart of American innovation, competitiveness, and the integrity of the patent system.

Hear From Leading Experts
A distinguished panel will analyze these developments, offering insights from legal, procedural, and policy perspectives:

·       Joe Matal (Clear IP, LLC; former USPTO Interim Director): A key architect of patent reform, Matal will contextualize the overhaul’s legal ramifications.

·       Julie Burke (Author, ex-USPTO Patent Quality Assurance Specialist): Burke’s deep knowledge of office practices will shed light on examination quality and examiner workflows.

·       Melissa Wasserman (University of Texas School of Law): Professor Wasserman’s groundbreaking research examines how agency practices shape patent quality and drug affordability, providing evidence-based insights into systemic challenges.

·       Christopher Suarez (Steptoe & Johnson): An IP litigator’s take on how trial procedure changes may affect disputes and innovation ecosystems.

·       Gregory Maurer (Klarquist Sparkman LLP): Practical insights into how applicants and attorneys can navigate the new landscape.

Hosted by the nonpartisan Public Interest Patent Law Institute, this event promises a balanced, expert-driven dialogue on ensuring the patent system works for all Americans. Join the conversation—and bring your questions—to explore how these changes will impact us all for years to come.