USPTO Hosts Public Listening Session on Standards Development and Intellectual Property Strategies

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently organized a public listening session aimed at fostering dialogue among intellectual property (IP) stakeholders regarding the implementation of standards-setting strategies. This event centered on the National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology (CET), released by the White House in May 2023, which underscores the importance of robust standards development to maintain U.S. technological leadership globally.

The session provided a platform for researchers, businesses, and other interested parties to share their perspectives on the current state of U.S. firms’ engagement in standard-setting activities. Particular attention was given to the standardization of CETs and the role of standard essential patents (SEPs) within these processes.

Key objectives discussed during the session aligned with those identified in the National Standards Strategy, including the need to invest in a skilled U.S. workforce capable of effectively contributing to technical standards development. Additionally, the session emphasized the importance of ensuring that international standards are established through fair, merit-based processes.

Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, highlighted the critical role that standards play in sustaining the United States’ competitive edge in technology sectors.

This listening session was organized collaboratively by the USPTO, the International Trade Administration, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The program was free and open to the public, with advance registration required to participate.

For further inquiries, participants were directed to contact Lakeshia Harley at the USPTO’s Office of Policy and International Affairs (OPIA), which also hosted the event through its Global Intellectual Property Academy. OPIA serves as an advisory body to the administration and other federal agencies on domestic and international IP legal and policy matters, while also providing technical assistance and training to both U.S. stakeholders and foreign government officials.

The USPTO reaffirmed its commitment to accessibility by inviting individuals with disabilities to request reasonable accommodations through the provided contact information.

This public listening session represents a significant step in aligning U.S. standards development efforts with national policy objectives, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of innovation through effective IP and standards collaboration.