In this FICPI Focus 45 webinar, Drew Hirshfeld, performing the functions and duties of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO chats with moderator Louis-Pierre Gravelle of IP firm Bereskin & Parr in Canada. 

Mr. Hirshfeld will discuss policy, procedure and initiatives within all parts of the USPTO, including the implementation of the Deferred Subject Matter Eligibility Response Pilot Program, and the office’s participation in the Council for Inclusive Innovation for developing its National Innovation Strategy.

He will address current trends in patent quality, the effect of the pandemic on teleworking, patent and trademark filings and the modernization of IT systems including the move to DOCX filing and the use of AI in office operations.

We will get an update on the Director Review process at the PTAB after the Arthrex decision and the implementation of the Trademark Modernization Act.