Welcome to the August edition of IP Five in 5, your quick-read briefing on five pivotal events that shaped the IP landscape this month. From enforcement crackdowns to accelerated examination, here’s what made headlines:
1. USPTO Cancels 52,000+ Fraudulent Trademark Filings
In one of the largest enforcement actions in its history, the USPTO announced on August 6 that it had terminated over 52,000 trademark applications and registrations filed by a foreign entity accused of forging U.S. attorney signatures, submitting false specimens, and misusing TEAS accounts. The move underscores the agency’s aggressive stance against fraudulent filings and its commitment to restoring integrity in the federal trademark register.
2. USPTO Bans Applicant‑Admitted Prior Art in IPR Petitions
Effective September 1, petitioners can no longer rely on Applicant‑Admitted Prior Art (AAPA) or general knowledge to fill gaps in Inter Partes Review filings. This strict enforcement of Rule 104(b)(4) raises the bar for IPR challenges.
3. Mauritius Joins the ARIPO Patent System
As of August 27, Mauritius officially became the 21st member state under the Harare Protocol, enabling inventors to include Mauritius in ARIPO applications for patents, utility models, and industrial designs.
4. USPTO Boosts Priority Exam Access with Track‑One Expansion
The USPTO expanded its Track‑One prioritized examination program by raising the annual cap from 15,000 to 20,000 requests (effective July 8, FY 2025), offering more applicants a faster route through patent prosecution.
5. Amazon Enhances Brand Registry with Smarter IP Tools
In August, Amazon rolled out new Brand Registry upgrades—including a Brand Catalog Lock, revamped “Report a Violation” dashboard, ML‑powered proactive takedowns, and enhanced seller transparency—to better support rights holders.
As the global IP landscape continues to evolve, August 2025 brought a mix of enforcement strength, procedural refinement, and platform-driven innovation. Whether you’re navigating post-grant challenges, pursuing regional protection, or strengthening brand defense online, these developments underscore the need to stay agile and informed. Stay tuned for next month’s IP Five in 5 as we continue to track the trends and shifts that matter most to IP professionals.
