There have been a growing number of legislative proposals in the United States regarding standard-essential patents (SEPs), the patents that play a critical role when implementing and conforming to a given technical standard, such as for phones, computer networks, and other technologies that are vital to U.S. competitiveness.
The USPTO wants to hear stakeholders’ views on these specific proposals, including, but not limited to:
- Protecting American Innovation and Development Act of 2021 (introduced into Congress on January 25, 2021) and
- Defending American Courts Act (introduced into Congress on March 8, 2022).
The event will consist of two sessions: one on legislative proposals, and the other on the intellectual property rights policies of prominent standards development bodies (SDOs).
Those interested in speaking at one of the sessions should indicate this during the registration process. Presentations may be made either in person or virtually. Speakers will be selected and notified on a rolling basis. (See details below, under “Additional information.”)
Space is limited for in-person attendance at this event, and early registration is encouraged. (The event will also be available for viewing online. Detailed instructions about accessing it will be sent upon confirmation of registration.)
Agenda
Agenda subject to change
1:00–1:10 p.m. Opening Remarks
- Katherine K. Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
1:10–1:25 p.m. Setting the Scene
- A fifteen minute overview will provide a backdrop of known legislative proposals that implicate the standard essential patent policy space and serve as a primer for Session 1’s remarks.
Chris Hannon, Patent Attorney, Office of Policy and International Affairs
1:25–2:55 p.m. Session 1—Discussion of Industry Led Solutions
- Participants will offer testimony on legislative proposals including the Promoting American Innovation and Development Act, and the Defending American Courts Act. Additionally, respondents may address any other industry led solutions.
2:55–3:15 p.m. BREAK
3:15–4:45 p.m. Session 2—Feedback on Prominent SDO IPR Policies
- Participants will share views on IPR policies of prominent standard development organization (SDO) policies. Particular emphasis is invited on provisions, or a lack thereof, with an impact on small and medium sized enterprises.
4:45–5:00 p.m. Closing Remarks
- The head of the Office of Policy and International Affairs will provide a summary of themes to have emerged over the course of the panels.
Mary Critharis, Chief Policy Officer and Director for International Affairs
Additional information
If you are interested in speaking in person at this event, please register online by October 7. Presentations may be made either in person or virtually.
When making a request to speak, you will be asked at the registration page to indicate your name, firm/affiliation, and your preferred session (either Session 1, on legislative proposals, or Session 2, regarding feedback on the intellectual property rights policies of prominent SDOs, but not both). We will then individually select and notify speakers by October 11. We will allocate time restrictions based on the number of participants, though we anticipate that each speaker will be allotted about seven minutes.
We will continue to update this event page, where we will post further information, including an agenda, venue information, and a list of registered speakers. For any questions about the event please email SEP_Policy@uspto.gov.
To request an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Hollis Robinson.
This program is hosted by the USPTO’s Office of Policy and International Affairs (OPIA). The office advises the administration and other federal government departments and agencies on domestic and international IP legal and policy issues. It also provides technical assistance and training on IP-related matters to U.S. stakeholders and both U.S. and foreign government officials.