USPTO Denies Inter Partes Review Due to Chinese Government Control

The USPTO Director denied an Inter Partes Review (IPR) petition filed by Tianma Microelectronics Co., Ltd. against LG Display Co., Ltd. The denial was based on national security interests, as Tianma is affiliated with China's Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC), a Chinese government-controlled entity on the Commerce Department's entity list. This decision also interprets the Supreme Court's 'Return Mail' ruling to bar foreign governments from filing IPR petitions.

PTAB Grants New Filing Date and Expunges Documents in IPR Proceeding

The USPTO Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) has accorded a new filing date of January 5, 2026, to a petition for inter partes review filed by Curium US LLC. This decision follows an updated mandatory notice identifying additional real parties in interest. Consequently, prior filings related to the original petition, including a request for discretionary denial, have been expunged.

USPTO Director Review Vacates Institution, Remands IPR Cases

The USPTO Director has granted a review, vacated decisions to institute two Inter Partes Review (IPR) proceedings against two patents held by Birchtech Corp., and remanded the cases. The Director found that instituting multiple petitions against the same patent claims for efficiency reasons was an abuse of discretion.

USPTO Rehearing Decision on Patent Eligibility for Machine Learning

The USPTO Appeals Review Panel vacated a previous rejection of patent claims related to machine learning training methods under 35 U.S.C. § 101. This decision revises the patent eligibility assessment for certain AI-related inventions, impacting technology companies and manufacturers seeking patent protection.

USPTO AI Assistant Speeds Trademark Classification

The USPTO has announced a new AI tool called "Class ACT" designed to significantly reduce the time required for trademark application pre-processing. This tool automates the assignment of international classes, design search codes, and pseudo marks, aiming to improve efficiency for examining attorneys and applicants.

USPTO Director Remarks on International IP Index

USPTO Director John A. Squires delivered remarks on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's International IP Index, highlighting the United States' continued top ranking and the importance of robust IP protection for innovation. The remarks emphasized the USPTO's efforts to strengthen the patent system and adapt to future needs.

USPTO, DOJ Reaffirm Importance of Patent Incentives

The USPTO and DOJ filed a statement of interest in a U.S. District Court case, reaffirming the importance of patent incentives for innovation and competition. The statement argues that limiting patentees' ability to seek injunctive relief for infringement undermines the incentive to innovate and the U.S. patent system.

USPTO Opens Mountain West Community Engagement Office in Utah

The USPTO has opened a new Mountain West Community Engagement Office in Salt Lake City, Utah, on February 20, 2026. Director John A. Squires delivered remarks at the opening, emphasizing the importance of intellectual property protection and innovation across the nation. The office aims to assist individuals and businesses in navigating intellectual property resources.

USPTO Selects Utah for New Community Engagement Office

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced the selection of the University of Utah as the location for a new community engagement office. This office will serve innovators in a region formerly covered by the Rocky Mountain Regional Outreach Office and aims to foster innovation and translate research into economic growth.

Minnesota Fatal Work Injuries Rise to 84 in 2024

Minnesota recorded 84 fatal work injuries in 2024, an increase from 70 in 2023 and the highest number since 2017. The state's fatal-injury rate rose to 2.9 per 100,000 workers, though it remains below the national average. The Department of Labor and Industry urges worksites to focus on safety.