by Dennis Crouch
The USPTO is seeking nominations for several open positions on its Patent Public Advisory Committee (PPAC) and Trademark Public Advisory Committee (TPAC). [Fed Reg Notice] These prestigious committees advise the Director of the USPTO on policy matters relating to patents and trademarks respectively. Serving on the PPAC or TPAC is an incredible opportunity to help shape the future of intellectual property rights in the United States. As a member, you would review policies, goals, performance metrics, budgets and user fees at the USPTO. You would also prepare an annual report for the President and Congress on these key issues. Members must be U.S. citizens with substantial expertise in areas like finance, management, labor relations, science, technology or automation. At least 25% of the PPAC must represent small entity patent applicants.
Nominations are due by the July 5th. New members are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce, typically based upon advise from the USPTO Director. See 35 U.S.C. 5.
Current PPAC members:
- Loletta (Lolita) Darden (Chair) – Visiting professor and director of the IP and Technology Clinic at George Washington University Law School.
- Charles Duan (Vice Chair) – Senior Policy Fellow at American University focused on technology and innovation policy.
- Earl “Eb” Bright – President/General Counsel at ExploraMed Development, LLC and IP policy expert.
- Henry Hadad – Senior VP & Deputy General Counsel of Innovation Law at Bristol Myers Squibb, leading IP efforts.
- Suzanne Harrison – Founder of Percipience LLC, an IP strategy and risk advisory firm.
- Lateef Mtima – Law professor at Howard University and director of the Institute for IP and Social Justice.
- Heidi S. Nebel – Managing partner and head of Biotechnology & Chemical Practice at McKee, Voorhees & Sease, PLC.
- Marvin J. Slepian – Professor of Medicine/Biomedical Engineering at University of Arizona, director of innovation center.
- Olivia Tsai – Assistant General Counsel and Head of IP at autonomous vehicle company Cruise.
“At least 25% of the PPAC must represent small entity patent applicants”
What does this mean exactly? Can one nominate themself? Where do professors who favor lower fees for small entities fit in?
I’d nominate myself, except the odds of a pro se (especially a curmudgeon like myself) being chosen are less than zero. Much, much less than zero.
I’ve been told by several reputable sources that it is virtually impossible to get picked unless you are a very well connected individual in the IP community.
It’s almost like they expect you to do something if you actually get on the Committee. That is the gateway to elitism.
Well-connected and “do something” are not the same.
Were you trying to make his point?
Forget it, Billy. It’s sarcasm, which you are genetically incapable of getting.
Oh, I “get” sarcasm – but your attempt here did not make it to that level.