Patent Reform Isn't Over

As part of the patent reform act signed into law, Congress tasked with the PTO with making changes, but did not instruct the PTO how to implement changes.  Rather, Congress put ongoing requirements on the USPTO for change, in the form of proposing rules changes to implement the new law, gathering public opinion and comment regarding the proposed changes and devising final rules changes to implement many of the new provisions in the America Invents Act (AIA).  For example, in December, the PTO  published proposed rules for supplemental examination and to revise reexamination fees.  The PTO also announced public hearings and request for comments on genetic diagnostic testing per the AIA.  If you are interested in having your opinion heard by those who will be making the rules for the patent landscape for years to come, you have opportunity to get involved.