Updated Predictions On Patent Policy Under The Trump Administration

Earlier this year, the Shearman patent litigation team published an article predicting patent policy under the Trump Administration.¹ To briefly recap that article: President Trump has given few indications about where he stands on various patent reform issues. However, a number of data points suggest that, if anything, he may take a more pro-patent stance than his predecessor. For instance, Ken Blackwell, one of Trump's transition team advisers has openly and consistently argued against further patent reform (including the Innovation Act) and in favor of stronger patent rights. Similarly, a number of conservative think tanks, including the Heritage Foundation, have cautioned against sweeping patent reform that would further weaken the patent system, and have informed Republican members of Congress that they would be graded on their votes for patent-related bills.