Prolific Patent Challenge Group Rattled as Agency Mulls Changes

A coalition of public interest groups and tech heavyweights went on high alert after the US Patent and Trademark Office floated a set of proposals to tighten up who can administratively challenge the validity of previously issued patents.

If finalized, one proposal would specifically hamstring a prolific third-party challenger, Unified Patents LLC, according to several patent lawyers.

It’s one of many potential reform measures in an advance notice of proposed rulemaking signed by Director Kathi Vidal, who defended the action before a congressional subcommittee last week.

Unified, a membership group representing companies across several industries, has a mission of invalidating ...