Federal Circuit Examines Implications of USPTO Reforms on Small Business Patent Protections

Recent proceedings at the Federal Circuit deliberated on whether updates related to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office director’s discretionary denial process could potentially revitalize efforts by advocacy groups seeking a “veto” right for small business patent owners. This veto would allow these smaller entities to have more power in defending themselves effectively at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. On Monday, a Federal Circuit judge raised questions around this subject, encapsulating ongoing challenges faced by small businesses in the patent litigation landscape.

For further details, the original article is available on Law360.