ANNE MENDEZ NAMED USPTO ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR
The USPTO has named Anne Mendez, its longtime Chief Administrative Officer, as Acting Deputy Director following Coke Morgan Stewart’s announcement that she is departing for the private sector. Mendez joined the agency in 1991 as a Human Resources Assistant, later specializing in HR information systems, labor relations, and employee relations, and spending over a decade leading the Employee Relations Division. She joined the Senior Executive Service in 2016, served as Director of Human Capital from 2016-2020, and was then promoted to Deputy Chief Administrative Officer in 2020.
IPO PUBLISHES CUSTOMER CONTRACTING TOOLKIT FOR B2B AI SERVICES
The IPO AI, Data, and New Emerging Technologies Committee has published a Customer Contracting Toolkit for B2B AI Services: model contract language for operating companies procuring AI products and services from third-party vendors. Drafted from the customer’s perspective, the Toolkit addresses IP questions that sit at the intersection of AI and patent practice including who owns model weights and fine-tuned variants, how Customer-Derived Improvements are assigned or licensed, what rights survive if a vendor becomes insolvent, and how Training Data infringement risk is allocated between parties. For patent counsel advising clients on AI procurement, whether in-house at an operating company or in a firm supporting technology transactions, the Toolkit provides a structured starting point with operative provisions, negotiating fallbacks, and drafter’s notes that translate AI-specific technical concepts into enforceable contract language.
The toolkit was coauthored by ALEX BRIDGE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise), SHRUTI COSTALES (Shruti Law PLLC®), ELIAS DOMINGO (Xylem), SAM GEE (Kenvue), STEVEN HANLEY (Caterpillar Inc.), ANNE MARIE LONGOBUCCO (Fenwick & West LLP), JUSTIN MULLEN (Capital One), LAURA NGUYEN (Hewlett Packard Enterprise), and KIRK SIGMON (KellDann Law PLLC).
JOIN THE INTERNATIONAL PATENT LAW & TRADE COMMITTEE
From TRIPS and compulsory licensing to global procedural harmonization and genetic resource disclosure, international patent law is always in motion. IPO’s International Patent Law & Trade Committee engages with these topics and more through:
- Preparing commentary for the USTR Special 301 Report;
- Advocating for pro-innovation IP protections in international forums; and
- Pushing for harmonized procedures—including Global Assignment, e-signatures, and Global Identifiers—to reduce administrative burden.
If your work spans borders, this committee offers a meaningful platform to engage. Apply to the International Patent Law & Trade Committee today at www.ipo.org/joinacommittee.
IPOEF SEEKING ATLANTA BASED CREATORS AND INNOVATORS
IPO Education Foundation needs your help connecting with creators and innovators in the Atlanta area for a short video series. This project supports the Foundation’s strategic priority of elevating awareness about the role IP plays in innovation. Videos will feature stories about IP lessons learned, whether because protection helped a business succeed or due to not protecting an innovation. More information about participation in the project can be found here. If you know a creator or innovator that may be a good fit or are interested in learning more, contact Deputy Executive Director, Kristen Lurye, klurye@ipo.org.
CIPA RECEPTION IN TORONTO, CANADA – SEPTEMBER 29
The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) is hosting a networking reception following IPO’s Annual Meeting on September 29 from 6:00-9:00pm at 43 Down in the Sheraton Centre Hotel. This complimentary networking drinks reception will give attendees the opportunity to socialize with other attendees and find out more about the latest updates in the UK and Europe. There is no fee to attend this event. However, advance registration is required.
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CORRECTION: IPO LAUNCHES INVENTOR REWARDS & RECOGNITION SURVEY 2026
Yesterday’s Daily News stated that non-IPO members will receive a copy of the report generated from the Inventor Rewards & Recognition Survey 2026. Non-IPO members will receive a copy only if they complete the survey and provide a valid email address.