USPTO

“What are the biggest challenges in the U.S. and global IP system?” That question kicked off Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property's recent conversation at the annual meeting of the Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO) in Chicago, IL. The Director spoke with Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO) President Krish Gupta covering topics ranging from international treaties and tensions between the positions of certain nations around IP, fee setting, artificial intelligence, changes to PTAB policies and procedures, terminal disclaimers, pendency, and international harmonization. “When I look back at the last 2.5 years we have accomplished a lot” said Director Vidal. “From advancing strong IP policy in our international and cross-government work, pushing through long needed changes in PTAB practices, increasing patent examiner pay to stay competitive with the private sector to the release of the National Inclusive Innovation Strategy, we have been taking a proactive and data-driven approach to strengthening the US and international IP ecosystem, reducing barriers and increasing opportunities to promote American competitiveness and solve community and world problems. I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished as a team and with all of you.” To read more on the USPTO’s accomplishments under Director Vidal’s leadership: https://bit.ly/3H7YW8e

Our dedicated members of the military community are innovating and creating every day. Our Military Entrepreneurship Essentials program is designed to provide resources and build connections that serve the unique needs of veterans and military spouses on their journey. “Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has a long legacy of innovation in aviation, dating back to the Wright brothers in the early 1900s, which makes it the perfect next stop for our Entrepreneurship Essentials program” said Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property. “Entrepreneurship can be a game-changer for our veterans and military spouses, giving them financial security, and a path for continuing their tradition of service by helping them grow the economy and create jobs.” To learn more about our Military Entrepreneurship Essentials program: https://bit.ly/3TXlWOa

When he couldn’t find a lawnmower to cut the grass the specific way he wanted it, Ralph Teetor invented a new one. That was Teeter. An inventor at heart, he was awarded multiple patents for everyday items such as a fishing rod handle, a door latch, and a garment carrier, but Teetor’s passion for engines and automobiles led to his most famous invention: the Speedostat, which we know as cruise control. Teeter’s journey from a blind child to a pioneering engineer is a testament to the power of determination and innovation. His invention of cruise control and his vision for adaptive cruise control have had a profound and lasting impact on the automotive industry. Read about Teeter’s journey in our latest #JourneysOfInnovation series: https://bit.ly/3XMH5M3

We’re proud to support the visionary innovators and relentless workers who propel America forward. Through patents and trademarks, the USPTO has helped support the manufacturing industry, which is granted about 66,000 utility patents annually. The industry accounted for about 13 million jobs in 2019, according to recent statistics from the Department of Labor. And it doesn’t stop there. We grant more than 9,500 utility patents and 500 design patents annually for medical-related manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries combined – with 3,200 trademark registrations annually. Those industries employ more than 600,000 workers in the United States. As we pause to pay homage to America’s earliest manufacturers, we celebrate modern manufacturers, like Patricia Bath. She’s the first Black woman to receive a medical patent for a device and technique she patented and manufactured for cataract surgery. #Inventor #CreatorsWanted #MFGDay24 #ThePowerOfYou #ProtectWhatYouLove Image: Courtesy National Inventors Hall of Fame

The answer? False! There is a lot more that goes into a federal resume than an average corporate resume. The number of hours worked per week, job titles, duties, accomplishments are just a few of the additions needed. If you’re interested in a career at the USPTO or any federal agency and need some pointers on federal resumes, we’ve put together some “tips and tricks” to help. Check it out before applying: https://bit.ly/4aMnIZ9

For 40 years, the J. Willard Marriott Library at the University of Utah has been a Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC), providing critical services and information to the university and surrounding community about the importance of intellectual property (IP), and helping inventors, creators, and entrepreneurs take the first steps to protecting their IP. Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property, recently joined students, faculty, and members of the Salt Lake City innovation community to celebrate this momentous anniversary. “The University of Utah is exemplary in terms of meeting innovators and entrepreneurs where they are in their communities and offering them access to the innovation ecosystem.” said Director Vidal. “Our team has been focused on expanding our network of PTRCs at local and collegiate libraries throughout the country, multiplying the number of PTRCs in HBCU’s and approaching 100 PTRCs countrywide. This work is critical to our mission of protecting IP and growing the innovation ecosystem.” The Director has reached out to 600 universities across the country to invite them to join our mission and become a PTRC. Use our locations map to find your closest PTRC: bit.ly/uspto-locations. Don’t have a PTRC near you? Email the Director at Director@uspto.gov so we can help get one off the ground.

The National Academy of Inventors has launched a new Invention Ambassadors Program, created in collaboration with the USPTO. You now have access to a diverse selection of accomplished inventors, innovators, entrepreneurs, and commercialization experts from fields such as artificial intelligence, sustainability and green technologies, biomedicine, and engineering. Through their speaking engagements, the NAI Invention Ambassadors aim to celebrate and showcase the importance of academic invention, share best practices for the innovation ecosystem, and inspire the creation of a culture of inclusive innovation. Learn more about the first cohort of ambassadors and request a speaker for you next engagement: bit.ly/3ZQFSpF

While our customers innovate every day, technical teams work behind the scenes on software systems to support them. The work in the Office of the Chief Information Officer benefits our colleagues, the intellectual property (IP) community, and the public. #TeamUSPTO

Our service members and their families give so much to ensure American’s safety and prosperity. The USPTO is honored to give back to our military community at the Military Influencer Conference this week in Atlanta, Georgia. “Growing up in a Navy family, I know first-hand the innovation and resilience of our military community” said Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property, in conversation with successful veteran entrepreneur Robert Schaefer and Misty Stutsman Fox, the Director of the Entrepreneurship and Small Business portfolio at the Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families - IVMF. “That is one of many reasons we launched the USPTO Military Entrepreneurship Essentials program. We are standing ready with services and support to help our veterans and military families and spouses protect their IP, build their businesses, and continue to support American prosperity.” To engage with our program: bit.ly/3qJAIMw

Today we issued a final order terminating proceedings in roughly 3,100 patent applications for the fraudulent entry of the S-signature of a registered practitioner by someone other than the practitioner. “The scale of this fraudulent action is a stark reminder for registered practitioners of their obligations under the USPTO Rules of Practice to take reasonable precautions to protect their credentials and alert the USPTO of any suspected fraud,” states Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property. “Further, it is a warning to applicants to ensure they are working with a licensed representative with authority to practice before the USPTO. Preventing fraud is an all-hands-on-deck initiative – we want all applicants to be educated on the application process, and all practitioners to safeguard their credentials.” https://bit.ly/3ZNumew