The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Asks Congress for Money
Congress has received a request from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for rule changes to offset ongoing heavy financial losses the agency has sustained. Revenue from patent filing and maintenance fees has been shrinking rapidly and the USPTO has been forced to make budget cuts across the board.
A steady influx of patent portfolios from companies, a substantial backlog, and internal red tape all have contributed to diminishing returns. Annually, the USPTO receives approximately 450,000 applications which must be analyzed and then either granted or rejected by one of 6,285 patent examiners.
The USPTO has approached various congressional committees for appropriations and suggestions on how to address its shortfalls. Ominously, USPTO surveys have revealed that patent attorneys and companies believe that the USPTO’s economic condition may deteriorate further.
The agency looks to improve efficiency and bolster operations as President Barack Obama recently nominated David Kappos to be the new Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO. Kappos currently serves as IBM vice-president and assistant general counsel for intellectual property.
Kappos has been a patent-reform advocate, lobbying for higher-quality patents and a reduction in excessive patent litigation. Hopefully this new director will implement new, cost-effective strategies and steer clear of such knee-jerk reactions as increasing patent fees.
Will the USPTO’s monetary woes affect the progress of your patent? File early with the help a thorough patent attorney to avoid potential delays and higher expenses!
