Welcome to MaxVal’s IP Five in 5, your quick roundup of the top five IP news stories in under five minutes. In this edition, we cover Patent Literature Citations now available only in digital form, the USPTO’s final rule on the Director Review Process, the release of WIPO’s Global Innovation Index, and more.
Patent Literature Citations Now Solely Digital
The European Patent Office (EPO) has transitioned to exclusively digital patent literature citations, ending the use of physical paper citations in patent examination. This move aligns with the EPO’s commitment to environmental sustainability and enhances the efficiency of accessing patent-related documents. The shift is expected to streamline the patent application process by providing faster, easier, and more eco-friendly access to citation materials for both patent examiners and applicants.
Source: EPO
Final Rule Regarding the Director Review Process Announced
The USPTO has issued a final rule regarding the Director Review process, which outlines how decisions made by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) can be reviewed by the Director of the USPTO. This new rule formalizes the process, giving parties the opportunity to request a review of PTAB decisions by the Director, who has the authority to intervene and make the final decision.
Source: USPTO
WIPO Releases Global Innovation Index 2024
The 2024 Global Innovation Index (GII) report highlights a slowdown in innovation investment, with declines in scientific publications, venture capital, and international patent filings after a boom in 2020-2022. Global R&D growth also slowed. Despite these challenges, technological progress continues, especially in health, computing, and electric vehicles. Switzerland, Sweden, and the U.S. top the innovation rankings, while China, India, and Türkiye show significant long-term improvement. The report emphasizes the need for innovation to address global challenges such as sustainability and equality.
Source: WIPO
EU Appoints Experts to Oversee AI Compliance Under New Regulations
The European Union has selected a group of experts to guide the implementation of its AI compliance rules, as part of its broader effort to regulate artificial intelligence within the region. These experts will play a crucial role in ensuring that AI technologies meet the EU’s strict standards, focusing on transparency, risk management, and ethical AI use. This move follows the introduction of the EU’s AI Act, which aims to set global benchmarks for AI regulation, emphasizing accountability in AI development and deployment.
Source: US News
Copyright Spotlight
U.S. Copyright Office Issues a Final Rule Amending the Process and Fee to Obtain a Certified Final Determination from the Copyright Claims Board
The Copyright Office has issued a final rule updating the process and reducing the fee to $15 for obtaining a certified final determination from the Copyright Claims Board (CCB). Requests must now be made directly to the CCB, with the rule effective immediately and available online.
Source: Copyright.gov