USPTO Streamlines Patent Review for Semiconductor Technologies

In a move to bolster semiconductor innovation and competitiveness, the U.S. Patent & Trade Office (USPTO), which has been criticized for the amount of time it takes to review patents, has launched the Semiconductor Technology Pilot Program, a new initiative designed to fast-track patent applications related to semiconductor device manufacturing.

The program will be effective from December 1, 2023, to December 1, 2024, until it reaches 1,000 grantable petitions, aligning with the objectives of the CHIPS and Science Act, aiming to strengthen the nation's semiconductor supply chain.

This streamlined patent review process is expected to accelerate the delivery of critical semiconductor technologies to market, fostering advancements in smartphones, automobiles, and various everyday devices. By prioritizing semiconductor patent applications, the USPTO aims to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign semiconductor chip supplies while propelling domestic innovation.

USPTO Updates China Intellectual Property Rights Guide

In a related effort to safeguard intellectual property rights, the USPTO has released an updated version of its China Intellectual Property (IP) Rights Guide. This comprehensive resource provides valuable guidance for U.S. rights holders seeking to protect their IP assets in the Chinese market. The revised guide incorporates the latest developments in China's IP landscape, offering insights into patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret protection in the region.

The freely available guide serves as a practical tool for U.S. businesses navigating the complexities of China's IP system. It equips rights holders with the knowledge necessary to assert their IP rights effectively in China, fostering innovation and protecting valuable intellectual property.