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ARTICLE · 14 FEBRUARY 2022

PTAB/USPTO Update - February 2022

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Drew Hirshfeld is still performing the functions and duties of Director. President Biden nominated Kathi Vidal to be the next Director.

United StatesIntellectual Property
David L. Cavanaugh
David L. Cavanaugh
Jason D. Kipnis
Jason D. Kipnis
Heather M. Petruzzi
Heather M. Petruzzi
Brian Lambson PhD
Brian Lambson PhD
Alexander Nemtzow
Alexander Nemtzow
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USPTO Leadership

  • Drew Hirshfeld is still performing the functions and duties of Director. President Biden nominated Kathi Vidal to be the next Director. On Jan. 13, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 17-5 to forward her nomination to the full Senate. 

USPTO News

  • On January 14, the USPTO and the Japan Patent Office (JPO) issued a joint statement regarding the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH). Both Offices intend to improve their PPH programs by setting a target deadline of three months for issuing office actions for PPH applications.
  • On January 27, the USPTO launched a Pro Bono Clearinghouse Program for the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB).
  • The USPTO released its annual Performance and Accountability Report (PAR) for Fiscal Year 2021. The report provides information about the USPTO's programmatic and financial performance during Fiscal Year 2021.

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