In IP Watchdog’s “Patent and IP Wishes for 2017” column. I expressed hope that new patent-policy relevant federal appointees understand the U.S. patent system has been weakened too much in recent years, and recognize the need to change course and focus on optimizing the patent system’s promotion of innovation. Now, a half-year later, the stakes remain high as the administration prepares to select a new leader for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The U.S. patent system has declined to the tenth position in the annual U.S. Chamber of Commerce international ranking, making the selection of new USPTO leadership even more critical. Let’s consider the initial tasks incoming USPTO leadership will first need to undertake.
