USPTO announces Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for potential PTAB reforms

WASHINGTON—To ensure robust and transparent engagement throughout the rulemaking process, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) seeking public input regarding proposed changes to discretionary institution practices, petition word limits, and settlement practices for America Invents Act (AIA) proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). The ANPRM allows the public to provide initial feedback on proposals from both the USPTO and the public before the USPTO shapes potential rules in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Read more