In June 2013, the White House issued a series of Executive Actions concerning high-tech patent issues. To improve transparency in patent ownership, the USPTO has formulated a rule that will require patent applicants and owners to regularly update ownership information. The public received 72 written comments. Some comments supported the proposed rulemaking, while others opposed various aspects of it. Based upon the nature of the public comments, the agency has opted not to advance the proposed rules to final at this time.
Public Meetings
- March 13, 2014, from 1-4 p.m. ET
USPTO Madison Auditorium North, Concourse Level
Madison Building
600 Dulany Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
View Video of March 13, 2014, Public Meeting Webcast (FINAL)
Transcript of Public Meetings on Notice of Public Rulemaking (March 13, 2014) [PDF]
- March 26, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 12:55 p.m. PT
U.C. Hastings College of the Law
Louis B. Mayer Lounge
198 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Video of March 26 Public Meeting
Transcript of Public Meetings on Notice of Public Rulemaking (March 26, 2014) [PDF]
Resources
- Notice of Public Hearings and Extension of Comment Period on the Proposed Changes To Require Identification of Attributable Owner (February 2014) [PDF]
The USPTO extended the period for public comment on the proposed rule until April 24, 2014 and held two public meetings:
- March 13, 2014, at the USPTO campus in Alexandria, VA
- March 26, 2014, at U.C. Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco, CA
The comment period is now closed.
- Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on "Changes to Require Identification of Attributable Owner" (January 2014) [PDF]
The USPTO formulated a notice of proposed rulemaking to require patent applicants and owners to regularly update ownership information during proceedings before the USPTO.
- Roundtable on Proposed Requirements for Recordation of Real-Party-in-Interest Information (January 2013)
The USPTO held a roundtable to obtain public input from organizations and individuals on how the USPTO could change its rules of practice to collect and provide better ownership information on patents and to make it publicly available.
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Comments
The period for comments on this proposed rulemaking closed on April 24, 2014.