USPTO DESIGNATES EX PARTE CHOWDHURY AS INFORMATIVE ON MARKUSH GROUPINGS
Based on a stakeholder nomination, yesterday the USPTO designated as informative Ex parte Chowdhury, Appeal 2025-002261 (PTAB Feb. 5, 2026), which reversed an examiner’s rejection of claims for reciting improper Markush groupings. PTAB held that a Markush grouping is proper if it recites members of a subgenus and the specification describes those members as performing similar functions in the context of the invention.
TAKE THE IPO STANDING IP COMMITTEE PROGRAM SURVEY TODAY
Please take a few minutes to complete the IPO Standing IP Committee Program Survey, which is now open to all IPO members, including current and former committee members and even IPO members who have never joined a committee.
Your feedback will inform improvements to how committees are structured, how members are recruited and onboarded, and how IPO can offer more flexible ways to get involved, from project-based work to asynchronous contributions. Committees are one of the most valuable ways members engage with IPO, stay current on IP law and policy, and connect with peers in IP law. We want to make sure the program works for you.
Take the survey here by Friday, September 4 to help guide the future of IPO’s Standing IP Committees.
IPO ANNUAL MEETING SPONSOR: FINNEGAN
A dead battery can be distracting, but thanks to Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP, your devices can stay fully powered throughout the sessions. Look for charging devices in the main session room to recharge your phone, tablet, or laptop while you recharge your IP knowledge. To register or for more information, visit www.ipo.org/am2026.
