Patent Trial and Appeal Board Reforms and Small Business Support
This act modifies patent trial procedures, including new rules for judges and the possibility of review by the patent office director. It also provides financial support for small and micro-entities in patent disputes.
Key points
Implementation of a code of conduct for patent judges, including limitations on ex parte communications.
Possibility of review of decisions by the patent office director, requiring a written explanation.
Financial support for small and micro-entities to cover patent dispute costs, funded by petitioner fees.
Alignment of patent claim construction standards with those used in civil court actions.
Setting deadlines for deciding requests for reconsideration and matters remanded from court.
Expired
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