Originally published in Inventor’s Digest The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has entered a new chapter that could reshape how American inventors protect their ideas. In October, USPTO Director John Squires reclaimed direct authority over decisions to institute patent review proceedings, including inter partes reviews. (Editor’s note: IPRs allow a third party to challenge the …
USPTO’s Proposed IPR Rule Could Strengthen Patent Validity and Reshape Enforcement Trends
As of October 2025, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Director John A. Squires has reclaimed authority to decide all patent review institution proceedings. This responsibility was previously delegated to judges at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). The USPTO also recently issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that could significantly reshape how …