Patent Law

US Chamber Urges IP Reform

By Stephen Albainy-Jenei

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce?s Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) released its thirty-page report on U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recommendations to President-elect Barack Obama, highlighting needed reforms to modernize the federal agency?s patent arm.

The report focuses on intellectual property (IP) since the U.S. IP-intensive industries employ nearly 18 million workers, account for more than $5 trillion of the U.S. GDP, and represent 40% of U.S. economic growth.  In 2006, U.S. patents accounted for one fourth of all patents granted worldwide.

A blueprint for modernizing and fostering a more efficient patent office, the report addresses 11 key areas: it features suggestions to improve the quality of patents, patent examiner retention, the current fee structure, and the office?s relationship with the user community, among other reforms.

The report was released during a Chamber-hosted public information session with USPTO IP Attachés from around the world.  The IP Attachés shared their experiences from their respective regions and provide information about best practices in obtaining, protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights outside the United States.

Participants included :

Caroline Joiner, Vice President, U.S. Chamber?s Global Intellectual Property Center
Brad Huther, Senior Advisor, U.S. Chamber?s Global Intellectual Property Center
USPTO IP Attachés from Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Switzerland, Thailand, and Russia

The report was sponsored by the Chamber?s GIPC and features contributions from respected leaders of the patent community, including former USPTO officials.  The full report is available here.

The Chamber?s Global Intellectual Property Center works to champion IP as vital to creating jobs, saving lives, advancing global economic growth and generating breakthrough solutions to global challenges.  The U.S. Chamber is the world?s largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

Full post as published by Patent Baristas on December 23, 2008 (boomark / email).