Patent Office Nominee Says Agency and IP System Need Change (1)

President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the US Patent and Trademark Office told senators significant changes are needed at the agency and in the broader patent system to maintain global intellectual property competitiveness.

John A. Squires said the country’s patent system “is going in the wrong direction” during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday. He pointed to problems with the speed at which patent applications are reviewed and expressed a desire to change the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, an administrative tribunal that reviews the validity of issued patents.

“I do think there is a need of ...