{"id":30571,"date":"2020-06-18T10:46:47","date_gmt":"2020-06-18T14:46:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ipo.org\/?page_id=30571"},"modified":"2020-06-30T14:33:38","modified_gmt":"2020-06-30T18:33:38","slug":"ipowners-quarterly-06302020","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ipo.org\/index.php\/ipowners-quarterly-06302020\/","title":{"rendered":"IPOwners Quarterly&#x2122; 06\/30\/2020"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row_content_no_spaces&#8221; el_id=&#8221;inner-banner&#8221;][vc_column][vc_single_image image=&#8221;30575&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1592491857754{padding-left: 40px !important;}&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><b>IN THIS ISSUE&#8230;<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#jess\">Executive Director\u2019s Welcome Message<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#am2020\">2020 Virtual Annual Meeting to be Held Week of September 21<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#international\">IP Harmonization: An Overview and A Discussion with IPO President Daniel J. Staudt<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#ippolicy\">U.S. IP Policy Developments \u2013 2nd Quarter 2020<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#ipcases\">U.S. IP Case Law Roundup<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#strokeofgenius\">IPO Education Foundation Launches Stroke of Genius&#x2122; Season Three<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#member\">IPO Member Highlight &#8211; Kirby Lee, Ecolab<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#rememberance\">Remembering Gerry Mossinghoff and Todd Dickinson<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#worldip\">IPO and IPO Education Foundation Joined World IP Day Celebration<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#solar\">A History of the Solar Cell, in Patents<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=&#8221;blue&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_28081\" style=\"width: 210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-28081\" class=\"wp-image-28081 size-200\" src=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Jessica-Landacre-200x204.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"204\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Jessica-Landacre-66x66.jpg 66w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Jessica-Landacre.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-28081\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jessica Landacre<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><a id=\"jess\"><\/a><strong>Executive Director\u2019s Welcome Message<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\">Welcome to the second issue of the\u00a0<i>IPOwners\u00a0Quarterly&#x2122;<\/i>.\u00a0 Since the last issue, the fight against the pandemic continues, and in recent weeks, the tragic death of George Floyd has caused an uprising in the U.S. against systemic racism and inequality. The events that have dominated the first half of 2020 will likely be weighing on our minds for the remainder of the year and beyond.\u00a0 In this rapidly changing and uncertain environment, it is imperative that we reflect and evaluate opportunities to evolve as individuals and as a community.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">IPO is more than an intellectual property trade association\u2014we are a community. We join our Black members, colleagues, and friends in the fight against racism and injustice. The IPO Board of Directors is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive membership.\u00a0Our vitality as an association\u2014and an IP profession\u2014depends on valuing and reflecting diverse perspectives. With that in mind, IPO will\u00a0be intentional about providing\u00a0inclusive services, professional development, and leadership opportunities for its members and staff to inform and support a strong intellectual property system.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Some progress has been made in recent years, with the development and implementation of a policy to feature diverse panels on IPO CLE programs and the establishment of\u00a0a Diversity &amp; Inclusion Committee and four\u00a0Resource Groups\u00a0(Black IP Professionals, Pride and Allies IP Professionals, Asian IP Professionals and Hispanic IP Professionals) which are open to all members as an additional way to connect and learn from one another.\u00a0The Diversity &amp; Inclusion Committee has published a beta version of its <a href=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/IPO-Practical-Guide-to-DI-3.4.20-DRAFT-FIN.pdf\">Practical Guide to D&amp;I for the Legal Profession<\/a>. The Pride and Allies Resource Group recently <a href=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/index.php\/pride-2020\/\">published a slide deck\u00a0on IPO.org<\/a>\u00a0celebrating Pride Month by highlighting individuals from the LGBTQ+ community with ties to IP. The Black IP Professionals Resource\u00a0Group is\u00a0planning\u00a0a\u00a0free\u00a0webinar on the challenges facing Black\u00a0patentees and\u00a0is developing a directory of Black IP professionals.\u00a0 If you have not already, <a href=\"https:\/\/connect.ipo.org\/resource-groups\">join a Resource Group<\/a> to be a part of the conversation and to help our association continue to evolve and thrive.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Since the March issue,\u00a0we\u00a0have made the difficult but responsible\u00a0decision\u00a0to hold\u00a0the 2020 IPO Annual Meeting\u00a0virtually.\u00a0\u00a0Our priority is the health and safety of our\u00a0members, but we are also aware that many organizations have restricted\u00a0travel and spending through the fall\u00a0or longer.\u00a0\u00a0We will convene our\u00a0members on a secure and engaging virtual platform during the week of September 21.\u00a0Many aspects of the meeting that IPO is\u00a0well-known for will remain unchanged\u2014particularly\u00a0high-quality\u00a0CLE topics and\u00a0excellent\u00a0speakers.\u00a0The 2020\u00a0Virtual\u00a0IPO Annual Meeting will\u00a0feature\u00a0live,\u00a0simulated-live, and on-demand educational sessions in four tracks:\u00a0Patents,\u00a0Trademarks\/Copyrights,\u00a0Industrial Designs, and new this year,\u00a0Operations.\u00a0 We are also working diligently\u00a0to\u00a0create\u00a0valuable networking opportunities in a virtual format\u00a0via workshops,\u00a0an interactive\u00a0exhibit hall experience, and other social\u00a0events.\u00a0\u00a0Look for\u00a0a complete\u00a0program and other details\u2014including a significantly discounted registration fee\u2014 in July.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">The\u00a0IPO Education Foundation Board of Directors has\u00a0also\u00a0decided to\u00a0change the format of its\u00a0Annual Awards Dinner from an in-person gala to a\u00a0free\u00a0online-event that\u00a0will\u00a0showcase\u00a0award\u00a0winners\u00a0and other special guests.\u00a0 Although\u00a0we will miss\u00a0the in-person\u00a0conversations\u00a0and reunions that are\u00a0a highlight of this\u00a0event, the Foundation\u00a0Board\u00a0intends to celebrate\u00a0the organization\u2019s 20th\u00a0anniversary in an innovative new way, bringing you inspirational insights, ideas,\u00a0and opinions\u00a0from\u00a0leaders in our field.\u00a0Stay tuned for more information about the 2020\u00a0Foundation Awards Online Events, which will be held\u00a0in December.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">I am disappointed\u00a0that we will not see each other in person this year. But\u00a0I am certain this is the right decision\u00a0and one that provides us with the opportunity to create new experiences and traditions.\u00a0Our outlook on the challenges we face will determine our success.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">I am proud\u00a0that\u00a0IPO\u00a0evolves and\u00a0grows stronger every year.\u00a0Current events\u00a0bring into focus the importance of\u00a0community\u00a0and\u00a0the necessity of fostering\u00a0an IP system that stimulates the development of innovative solutions to address new challenges.\u00a0\u00a0Individually and together, we\u00a0can make a difference.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Be well,\u00a0stay safe,\u00a0and I look forward to connecting with you soon.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=&#8221;blue&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"am2020\"><\/a><strong>2020 Virtual Annual Meeting to be Held Week of September 21<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-30607\" src=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IP20-011-Virtual-Annual-Meeting-2020-Digital-Banners-570x65_Final-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"570\" height=\"65\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IP20-011-Virtual-Annual-Meeting-2020-Digital-Banners-570x65_Final-1-200x23.jpg 200w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IP20-011-Virtual-Annual-Meeting-2020-Digital-Banners-570x65_Final-1-300x34.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IP20-011-Virtual-Annual-Meeting-2020-Digital-Banners-570x65_Final-1-400x46.jpg 400w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IP20-011-Virtual-Annual-Meeting-2020-Digital-Banners-570x65_Final-1.jpg 570w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 570px) 100vw, 570px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p>We are looking forward to bringing our members together in a new and innovative way this year for the 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting on a secure and engaging virtual platform. The dates will remain the same: the meeting will begin on Monday, September 21, and end on Wednesday, September 23. For information about topics, speakers, and to view the schedule, visit\u202f<a href=\"http:\/\/www.ipo.org\/AM2020\">www.ipo.org\/AM2020<\/a>. In the meantime, some of the highlights that the 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting will offer include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Significantly discounted registration fees \u2013 pricing and registration details will be available in July<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559740&quot;:315}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Live, simulated-live, and on-demand educational sessions in four tracks:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559740&quot;:315}\">\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Patents<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559740&quot;:315}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Trademarks\/Copyrights<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559740&quot;:315}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Industrial Designs (offered for the 2nd year)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559740&quot;:315}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Operations (new offering this year!)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559740&quot;:315}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>CLE credit, including ethics and diversity &amp; inclusion credit<\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Interactive workshops<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559740&quot;:315}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Committee organized presentations and meetings<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559740&quot;:315}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Engaging keynote presentations<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559740&quot;:315}\"> by IP thought leaders<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Networking opportunities where members can connect<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559740&quot;:315}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Virtual Exhibit Hall<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559740&quot;:315}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=&#8221;blue&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"international\"><\/a><strong>IP Harmonization: An Overview and A Discussion with IPO President Daniel J. Staudt\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_30722\" style=\"width: 224px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30722\" class=\"wp-image-30722 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/tom-headshot.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"214\" height=\"268\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/tom-headshot-200x250.png 200w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/tom-headshot.png 214w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 214px) 100vw, 214px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-30722\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Thomas Valente<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>By Thomas Valente<\/strong><em>, IPO Senior Director for Global Affairs <\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">IPO has long been involved in a range of efforts to harmonize substantive IP laws and procedures around the world.\u00a0\u00a0The potential benefits of harmonization are extensive\u2014some include efficiency, cost savings, predictability, higher quality, and transparency.\u00a0\u00a0While pessimists might view attempts at harmonization as quixotic due to the many legal and procedural differences that exist in different jurisdictions, concrete achievements have already occurred and further successes appear to be in sight.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">IPO\u2019s\u00a0involvement\u00a0in discussions about how best to harmonize patent office procedures\u00a0primarily\u00a0take place\u00a0through the\u00a0IP5 Industry\u00a0group.\u00a0 IP5 Industry comprises a total of six associations based in\u00a0China, Europe, Japan, Korea, and the U.S.\u00a0\u00a0Delegates from these associations\u00a0meet with and\u00a0provide stakeholder views to the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/ipo.informz.net\/z\/cjUucD9taT03NDgwODQ4JnA9MSZ1PTc1MjU1MDkyMyZsaT01ODM3MDU2Ng\/index.html\"><span class=\"s1\">IP5\u00a0Offices<\/span><\/a> (China\u2019s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), the European Patent Office (EPO), the Japan Patent Office (JPO), the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KINPA), the U.S. Patent Office (USPTO)), and the World Intellectual Property Organization.\u00a0\u00a0Activities include an annual meeting of IP5 Industry with the IP5 Heads of Office, as well as meetings of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fiveipoffices.org\/industry-consultation\/GDTF\"><span class=\"s1\">Global Dossier Task Force<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fiveipoffices.org\/industry-consultation\/ICG\"><span class=\"s1\">IP5 Industry Consultation Group<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">The\u00a0Industry Trilateral\u00a0is another\u00a0harmonization-related\u00a0group in which IPO participates, with three additional U.S., European, and Japanese organizations. Its aim\u00a0is to create a package for harmonization of substantive patent laws.\u00a0 The group reports\u00a0on these discussions\u00a0to\u00a0government representatives from\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epo.org\/law-practice\/harmonisation\/group-b-plus.html%22%20%5Cl%20%22:~:text=The%20Group%20B+%20was%20established,on%20substantive%20patent%20law%20harmonisation.\"><span class=\"s1\">Group B<\/span><\/a>+ and Sub-Group B+.\u00a0 Traditionally, the Industry Trilateral\u00a0has also\u00a0met\u00a0once a year with the\u00a0heads of the EPO, JPO, and USPTO.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">IPO also participates in stakeholder discussions about harmonizing issues related to trademarks and industrial designs through\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/ipo.informz.net\/z\/cjUucD9taT03NzIwMDEwJnA9MSZ1PTc1MjU1MDkyMyZsaT02MjE2NTY3MA\/index.html\"><span class=\"s1\">the TM5<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/ipo.informz.net\/z\/cjUucD9taT03NzE2MzUxJnA9MSZ1PTc1MjU1MDkyMyZsaT02MjExMTMzNA\/index.html\"><span class=\"s1\">the ID5<\/span><\/a>, respectively.\u00a0 These are venues for cooperative efforts between governments, which include meetings where stakeholders can hear updates on TM5 Office projects and provide feedback, suggestions, and proposals. CNIPA, the European Union Intellectual Property Office, JPO, KIPO, and the USPTO participate in the TM5 and the ID5.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">IPO President Dan Staudt (Siemens Corp.) has been very involved in IPO\u2019s patent harmonization efforts and has led IPO\u2019s Industry IP5 and Industry Trilateral delegations for some time.\u00a0 I recently asked him some questions about the past, present, and future of these harmonization efforts.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Interview with IPO President Dan Staudt\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_28824\" style=\"width: 210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-28824\" class=\"wp-image-28824\" src=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Dan-Staudt-002.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"261\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-28824\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dan Staudt<\/p><\/div>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Q:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<strong>What initially led you to join the IPO harmonization team\u2014 and what motivates you to continue to volunteer your time to work on these issues?<\/strong><\/span><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I have always had an interest in\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">i<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">nternational\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">p<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">atent law<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, beginning<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in law school. So<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0it is very fitting that I work for a global company<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and I was very fortunate to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">liv<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">e<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in Germany for over a year managing the Siemens Patent activities in\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Europe<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and working with the EPO, the Germany\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">P<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">atent\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">O<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ffice<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and interfacing with WIPO while there.\u00a0 I enjoy\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">discussing issues<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0with the global\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">p<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">atent bar and the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">various patent\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">offices to try to make patenting more efficient and cost<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8211;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">effective for everyone.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Q: <\/span><\/b><b>The IP5 has been very active in trying to find ways to harmonize patent office procedures.\u00a0\u00a0What do you view as its greatest accomplishment in recent years?\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There ha<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ve<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0been\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a number of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">great\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">accomplishment<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0G<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">lobal\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">D<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ossier<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">which provides access to dossier information of families of applications filed in participating IP offices<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">i<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s a<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">n excellent<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0example<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0 T<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">here\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">are<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">still many\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">additional\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">projects that we would like\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">pursue\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in order\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">to achieve\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">further<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0benefits for patent owners<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and for the system as a whole.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Q:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<strong>Which areas seem most promising for procedural harmonization going forward?<\/strong><\/span><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span>The global assignment project, where one assignment could be filed in one jurisdiction that would satisfy assignment recoding requirements globally, would save a lot of time and effort for IPO members.\u00a0 Also, harmonizing claim formatting and drawing formatting are two great examples of how we can make things more uniform procedurally and thus save a lot of administrative time and cost for patent filers.\u00a0\u00a0In addition, we believe that there are great possibilities to expand the Global Dossier system and, that e-authentication measures that could alleviate the need for wet signatures, notarization, and other authentication requirements hold great promise.<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Q:<\/span><\/b><strong>\u00a0There is widespread\u00a0recognition\u00a0that substantive patent law harmonization is very complicated and is a long-term project.\u00a0 What is the greatest challenge in trying to harmonize patent laws<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>\u00a0and how can it best be addressed?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A: <\/span><\/b>Probably the greatest challenge has been each country\u2019s different perspective on patents.\u00a0 Here in the U.S, we primarily use IP to protect our innovations.\u00a0 In some other nations, IP is primarily used in a defensive manner to make sure entities do not infringe upon someone else\u2019s rights\u2014that is why grace period is such an issue for those countries. They do not like the fact that, due to a grace period, if an inventor published his invention before filing his patent, that publication would not automatically be prior art allowing one to know whether or not the invention can be practiced.\u00a0\u00a0A grace period is very unsettling to them.\u00a0\u00a0We have tried to meet this concern by coming up with defenses of use around a grace period that would make a grace period more acceptable to these countries while maintaining the principles of a grace period that would be necessary to obtain approval of harmonization here in the U.S.<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Q:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<strong>Some U.S. users would say that they would rather keep the patent system that we have, rather than change it at all in order to have international harmonization.\u00a0 What would you say to them<\/strong><\/span><strong>\u00a0about the benefits of harmonization?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A: <\/span><\/b>The biggest benefits of harmonization for IP owners will increase efficiency and lower costs.\u00a0 If you are looking to obtain a patent on an innovation here in the U.S. only,\u00a0 I can understand your desire to maintain the current U.S. system, but if you want to file outside the U.S., the lack of harmonization means reworking an application and spending more of your foreign counsels\u2019 time to meet local standards, thus greatly increasing expense.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Harmonization would result in\u00a0not only cost savings for the patent owner,\u00a0but also\u00a0for\u00a0the\u00a0patent\u00a0offices, which would be able to\u00a0better\u00a0share\u00a0search and examination results.\u00a0 This should\u00a0also reduce\u00a0the\u00a0office\u00a0fees\u00a0paid by patent owners.\u00a0 This\u00a0joint search and examination\u00a0would also result in better quality patents.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">The lower costs\u00a0achieved through harmonization\u00a0will\u00a0allow\u00a0IP owners\u00a0to\u00a0direct more of our resources to innovation and\u00a0to\u00a0filing more patent applications.\u00a0\u00a0Harmonization would\u00a0also provide the same\u00a0consistent\u00a0scope of patent protection in each country\u00a0and improve the certainty of rights.\u00a0 All of these things are good for innovators seeking international protection.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=&#8221;blue&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"ippolicy\"><\/a><strong>U.S. IP Policy Developments \u2013 2nd Quarter 2020<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_25991\" style=\"width: 210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-25991\" class=\"wp-image-25991 size-200\" src=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Sam_Headshot-200x300-1-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-25991\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Samantha Aguayo<\/p><\/div>\n<p><b>By Samantha Aguayo, <\/b><em>IPO Deputy Executive Director &amp; Chief Policy Counsel<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When we published t<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">he\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">first<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Quarterly<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0on March 30,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the U.S. had just entered the throes of responding to the coronavirus pandemic.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">U.S. government was<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0focused on\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">managing the crisis, including\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">providing relief\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">to those\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">who were most affected<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">by illness\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0economic\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">devastation that the pandemic caused<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While the pandemic\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and the resulting economic turmoil\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">shifted Congress\u2019 attention away from the specific policy issues that populated IPO\u2019s legislative and regulatory agenda for much of the first quarter of this year, it also afforded <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">IPO<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">an opportunity to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">educate<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0M<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">embers<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">of Congress<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0about\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the relationship of\u202fintellectual property rights\u202fto<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0the scientific and medical\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">innovation<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s that are crucial to saving lives<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0as well as the importance of intellectual property rights to U.S. economic prosperity.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We shared with each chamber\u2019s Judiciary Committee members the first episode of IPO Education\u2019s new season of the\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stroke of Genius<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#x2122;. \u201cPatents in Pandemic\u201d address<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">es<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0the COVID-19 outbreak through the lens of intellectual property. Experts from across industries discuss how\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">intellectual property incentivizes innovation and how it is being leveraged to respond to COVID-19.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">IPO shared with Congress multiple reports published in the <em>IPO Daily News&#x2122;<\/em> highlighting our corporate members who are providing relief and support to their communities and the world during the current public health crisis.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Finally, in celebration of PRIDE month during June, we shared with the House co-chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/index.php\/pride-2020\/\"><span class=\"s1\">30-page slide presentation<\/span><\/a>\u202fcreated by IPO\u2019s Pride and Allies Resource Group, a division of\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/index.php\/find-a-committee\/?division=Business+%26+Professional+Division&amp;CommitteeCode=PTFDIL\"><span class=\"s1\">Diversity and Inclusion Committee<\/span><\/a>, showcasing LGBTQ+ individuals with connections to intellectual property.<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Aside from this education campaign, IPO continued\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">its\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">legislative<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0regulatory\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">work in the second quarter of 2020, and we summarize such activities below.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Impact of COVID-19 on USPTO<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Operations and Funding\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">The USPTO instituted several measures in response to the pandemic. In mid-March, it closed all offices to the public until further notice\u00a0and waived the requirements for an original handwritten signature for certain correspondence with the Office of Enrollment and Discipline and certain payments by credit card.\u00a0Exercising authority Congress provided under the\u00a0\u201cCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act\u201d or the \u201cCARES Act,\u201d a $2 trillion stimulus\u202fpackage, the USPTO\u00a0also\u00a0extended the time allowed to file certain patent and trademark-related documents and to pay certain required fees for delays caused by the outbreak.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">In response to concerns about the impact of the economic downturn on USPTO funding,\u00a0in early April\u00a0the leaders of\u00a0the Patent Public Advisory Committee (PPAC) and Trademark Public Advisory Committee (TPAC)\u00a0issued a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uspto.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/documents\/PPAC-TPAC_Letterr-to-Congress_re_Appropriation-of-PTO-Funds_041220.pdf\"><span class=\"s1\">letter<\/span><\/a>\u00a0to House and Senate Judiciary Committee leadership requesting that $1.023 billion in\u00a0user fees\u00a0collected by the USPTO\u00a0from 1990-2011 that it was not authorized to\u00a0be made available now so the Patent Office \u201chas the resources to support the recovery efforts of our nation\u2019s economy during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">A week later, leaders of both the House and Senate Judiciary Committees and IP Subcommittees\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.feinstein.senate.gov\/public\/_cache\/files\/f\/e\/fe319fb4-618f-481e-b941-e0c47e934afb\/61FF4D74E651FC5F59B88CFDFE955515.uspto-letter.pdf\"><span class=\"s1\">wrote<\/span><\/a> to USPTO Director Andrei\u00a0Iancu\u00a0asking about the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Office\u2019s operations and funding.\u00a0In his June 10 \u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/judiciary.house.gov\/uploadedfiles\/2020-06-10_letter_from_uspto_on_covid19_impact_on_operations.pdf\" class=\"broken_link\"><span class=\"s1\">response<\/span><\/a>, the Director indicated that trademark\u00a0fee collections were\u00a0 9.2% lower than expected for 2020\u00a0and that he expected 2021 trademark revenues to be lower than previous projections. The trademark operating reserve is supplementing fee collections, which could fund trademark operations for 13 weeks in the absence of fee collections. However, the fund is dependent on fee collections and will be more rapidly depleted as it is used to supplement fee revenues.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">The impact of economic downturns on patent fee collections tends to be somewhat delayed.\u00a0Iancu\u00a0indicated\u00a0that the patent operating reserve will likely be sufficient to supplement any loss of revenue in 2020 but that recent decreases in filing will likely lead to revising revenue projections downward for 2021 and 2022. The agency is \u201cconducting multiple revenue assessments and contingency plans to compensate for anticipated lower revenues.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">The USPTO has undertaken numerous cost-cutting measures and is adjusting plans for 2021 in response to the expected decrease in revenue. However, Iancu\u2019s letter notes that should supplemental funding become necessary due to the shortfall and depletion of operating reserves, \u201cCongress could make available user fees and surcharges previously collected by the USPTO (between 1990 and 2011)\u201d that the USPTO was not authorized to spend.<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Impact of COVID-19 on\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">U.S. Copyright Office<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">The\u00a0U.S.\u00a0Copyright Office\u00a0also\u00a0rolled out several changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, the Office has adjusted through July 10th\u00a0regulations related to certain registration claims, notices of termination, and section 115 notices of intention and statements of account.\u00a0On May 8th, the Copyright Office published an interim rule amending its regulations governing the registration of copyright claims in secure tests to address disruptions caused by COVID-19. The interim rule allows otherwise-eligible tests that are\u00a0administered online during the national emergency to qualify as secure tests, provided that the test administrator employs sufficient security measures. It also solicited comments on the technological requirements needed for examination of secure test claims via secure teleconference in June.<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Section 101 Reform<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In late April, the USPTO published a report authored by the Office of the Chief Economist titled \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uspto.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/documents\/OCE-DH_AdjustingtoAlice.pdf\">Adjusting to\u00a0<\/a><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uspto.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/documents\/OCE-DH_AdjustingtoAlice.pdf\"><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Alice<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: USPTO patent examination outcomes after\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Alice Corp v. CLS Bank International<\/span><\/i><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u201d The report highlighted how recent actions undertaken by the USPTO, including\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">revised examination guidance issued by the Office in 2019<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, have brought greater predictability and certainty to the determination of patent eligibility in the technology areas most affected by the decision.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In May 2020,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Senate Judiciary\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Subcommittee\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">on IP\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Chairman\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Thom\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tillis\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(R-N.C.)\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">published a piece in\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">IP Watchdog<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0saying \u201c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If IP Stakeholders Can\u2019t Find Consensus, Congress Can\u2019t Help\u2026..Last year,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">[Ranking Member Chris]<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Coons<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">[(D-<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">D<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">el.)]<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and I led an extensive effort to lay out a framework for Section 101 reform. At the end of the day, that process stalled because stakeholders refused to compromise. They let the great and perfect get in the way of the good.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">C<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ongressional Action on Counterfeit Goods<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In early March,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Y<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) and Ranking Member Doug Collins (R-<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ga.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) joined IP Subcommittee Chairman Hank Johnson (D-G<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) and Ranking Member Martha Roby (R-A<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">la.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) to introduce the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stopping Harmful Offers on Platforms by Screening Against Fakes in E-Commerce<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201d<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/judiciary.house.gov\/news\/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2838\" class=\"broken_link\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(SHOP SAFE) Act of 2020<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. This legislation seeks to combat the sale of unsafe counterfeit goods by incentivizing platforms to engage in best practices for screening and vetting sellers and goods, penalizing repeat offenders, and ensuring that consumers have the best (and most accurate) information available to them when purchasing goods online. In exchange for adhering to these best practices, online platforms would benefit from being immunized from contributory liability for trademark infringement.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The House Energy &amp; Commerce Consumer Protection Subcommittee held a\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/energycommerce.house.gov\/committee-activity\/hearings\/hearing-on-buyer-beware-fake-and-unsafe-products-on-online-marketplaces\" class=\"broken_link\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hearing<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> titled \u201cBuyer Beware: Fake and Unsafe Products on Online Marketplaces.\u201d Witnesses included Dharmesh Mehta (Vice President of Worldwide Customer Trust and Partner Support at Amazon), Amber Leavitt (Associate General Counsel and Head of IP at eBay), Jeff Myers (Senior Director for Intellectual Property, Apple), Andrew Love (Head of Brand Security \/ Investigations \/ Global Enforcement at Specialized Bicycles), Lori Wallach (Director, Global Trade Watch at Public Citizen), and David Friedman (Vice President of Advocacy at Consumer Report). The discussion focused on the prevalence of counterfeit, stolen, and unsafe products on online platforms and how they threaten American consumers. In her opening statement, Chair Schakowsky declared that \u201corganized retail crime, selling counterfeits and stolen products, poses a threat to consumers who are unwittingly purchasing these items.\u201d She called on online marketplaces to prioritize safety and accountability over profit. Schakowsky outlined the goal of strengthening the existing Consumer Products Safety Commission&#8217;s (CPSC) relationship with Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to slow down the flow of counterfeit and unsafe products flooding the market. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Digital Millennium Copyright Act Review<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">On May 21, the U.S. Copyright Office released the findings of its multi-year study of Section 512 of the U.S. Copyright Act. Enacted as part of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA),\u00a0Section 512 established a system for copyright owners and online entities to address online infringement, including limitations on liability for compliant service providers to help foster the growth of internet-based services.\u00a0 The report concludes that the operation of the section 512 safe harbor system today is unbalanced and highlights areas where current implementation of Section 512 is out of sync with Congress\u2019 original intent, including: eligibility qualifications for the service provider safe harbors; repeat infringer policies; knowledge requirement standards; specificity within takedown notices; non-standard notice requirements; subpoenas; and injunctions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Although the report does not recommend any wholesale changes to Section 512, the Copyright Office points out these and other areas where Congress may wish to consider legislation to rebuild the original balance between rightsholders and online service providers. It also identifies several non-statutory areas of untapped potential to increase the efficacy of the statute and recommends additional and government and stakeholder focus on education, voluntary cooperation, and the use of standard technical measures.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">After initial delays in the schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the\u00a0Senate\u00a0IP Subcommittee resumed its DMCA review with a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.judiciary.senate.gov\/meetings\/is-the-dmcas-notice-and-takedown-system-working-in-the-21st-century\"><span class=\"s1\">hearing<\/span><\/a>\u00a0on Section 512 on June 2that considered the statute\u2019s notice-and-takedown system. The following witnesses testified on the first panel: Don Henley, Jon\u00a0Berroya\u00a0(Internet Association), Douglas Preston (The Authors Guild), and David Hansen (Duke University). The following witnesses will testify on the second panel:\u00a0Abigal\u00a0Rivers (Engine), Kerry Muzzey (Kirbyko\u00a0Music LLC), Meredith Rose (Public Knowledge), and Jeff\u00a0Sedlik\u00a0(Sedlik\u00a0Photography).\u00a0 Henley, Preston, Muzzey, and Sedlik\u00a0all testified in favor of Section 512 reform, stating that the notice and takedown system is antiquated and ineffective.\u00a0 Berroya, Hansen, Rives, and Rose testified in defense of the current notice and takedown system, advocating against wholesale changes to the statute.\u00a0In his opening statement, Chairman Tillis remarked that \u201cgrand bargain\u201d between copyright owners and online platforms isn\u2019t working, citing the recent Copyright Office study. During the Q&amp;A, Ranking Member Coons expressed concern that the most profitable companies have found success at expense of smallest members of the creative community.<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Copyright Office Modernization<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">In an\u00a0<i>IPWatchdog\u00a0<\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ipwatchdog.com\/2020\/05\/05\/senator-thom-tillis-ip-stakeholders-cant-find-consensus-congress-cant-help\/id=121262\/\"><span class=\"s1\">interview<\/span><\/a>\u00a0published on May 5, 2020 Senator Tillis said that his short-term goal as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary IP Subcommittee is to introduce the\u00a0<i>Copyright Office Modernization Act<\/i>. To inform the drafting of this legislation, the IP Subcommittee held a series of roundtables during the fall on topics related to modernizing the Copyright Office. Chairman Tillis\u2019 office proposed legislation that would impact the Copyright Office and Library of Congress IT infrastructure and modify language for deposit requirements.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Prior to the pandemic, the bill was slated to be introduced this spring. Given the Senator\u2019s comments to <i>IP Watchdog<\/i> and the conclusion of stakeholder discussions, it is possible that this bill will be introduced at some point this summer.<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Register of Copyrights Selection\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">The Library of Congress is in the process of selecting the next Register. It held two \u201clistening sessions\u201d on the process on January 28 and February 13, 2020. The job posting went live on\u00a0USAJobs\u00a0on April 15th, and applications were due June 15th.\u00a0 During the listening sessions, Ryan Ramsey, Chief of Staff for the Library of Congress stated multiple times that the goal is to have a new Register on board by \u201csummertime.\u201d Ramsey also stated at the February listening session that he would be \u201cshocked\u201d if 2020 closes without a new Register, which indicates that this process could go on beyond summer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">I hope this review has been useful\u202fand informative.\u202f\u00a0If\u202fthere are\u202fspecific\u202fissues you would like to see covered\u202fin future issues,\u202f<a href=\"mailto:samantha@ipo.org\"><span class=\"s1\">I welcome suggestions<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=&#8221;blue&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a id=\"ipcases\"><\/a>U.S. IP Case Law Roundup<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_30620\" style=\"width: 410px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30620\" class=\"size-full wp-image-30620\" src=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/eric-and-paul.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"218\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/eric-and-paul-200x109.jpg 200w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/eric-and-paul-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/eric-and-paul.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-30620\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Eric Moran and Paul Berghoff<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>by Eric Moran, <\/strong><em>McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert &amp; Berghoff LLP and <strong>IPO Amicus Brief Committee Co-Vice Chair Paul Berghoff,<\/strong><\/em><\/span>\u00a0<em>McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert &amp; Berghoff LLP<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">It seems like a lifetime ago that many of us gathered at the IPO Spring Summit in Washington, D.C. in early March. Sadly, that may have been the last significant physical gathering of IP attorneys in the U.S. in 2020. While it would have been reasonable to expect that IP law would go dormant while we all sheltered at home, quite the opposite has happened. Since mid-March, there have been six\u2014count them SIX\u2014Supreme Court decisions in the IP space.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><b>Copyrights<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Starting with copyrights, the Supreme Court in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.supremecourt.gov\/opinions\/19pdf\/18-877_dc8f.pdf\"><i>Allen v. Cooper<\/i><\/a> affirmed state sovereign immunity as a defense to copyright infringement. Allen had sued the State of North Carolina for using his videos without permission. North Carolina asserted sovereign immunity, but Allen successfully argued in the district court that Congress had removed state immunity in the Copyright Remedy Clarification Act of 1990. The Supreme Court, however, agreed with the Fourth Circuit (in an opinion by Justice Kagan, without dissent), holding that its prior decision in <i>Florida Prepaid<\/i> limited Congress\u2019 power to abrogate sovereign immunity under either Article I or the 14th Amendment absent strong evidence of unconstitutional infringement, which was lacking.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Not done yet, in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.supremecourt.gov\/opinions\/19pdf\/18-1150_new_d18e.pdf\"><i>Georgia v. Public.Resource.org<\/i><\/a> the Supreme Court addressed who owns the copyright in official annotations to state law. In a 5-4 decision authored by Chief Justice Roberts, the Court held that \u201ccopyright does not vest in works that are (1) created by judges and legislators (2) in the course of their judicial and legislative duties,\u201d placing the official annotations in the public domain.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">But the biggest copyright fish is still out there. The Supreme Court delayed until its next term hearing arguments in <i>Google v. Oracle<\/i> concerning Google\u2019s use of Java in Android phones. Arguments in the fall and a decision in 2021 seem likely.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><b>Trademarks<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.supremecourt.gov\/opinions\/19pdf\/18-1233_5he6.pdf\"><i>Romag Fasteners v. Fossil Group<\/i><\/a>, the Supreme Court held that willful infringement of a trademark is not required for a plaintiff to recover a defendant\u2019s profits upon a showing of a likelihood of confusion. Justice Gorsuch, writing for the Court, focused on the language of 15 U.S.C. \u00a7 1117 of the Lanham Act, finding that it \u201chas never required a showing of willfulness\u201d to win profits in a likelihood of confusion case, while expressly making \u201ca showing of willfulness a precondition to a profits award\u201d in a dilution case. In concurrence, Justice Alito joined by Justices Breyer and Kagan =, would have held that \u201cwillfulness is a highly important consideration in awarding profits under \u00a7 1117(a), but not an absolute precondition.\u201d Justice Sotomayor concurred in the judgment only, taking issue with the majority\u2019s discussion concerning the historical context of the award of profits for innocent versus willful infringement.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.supremecourt.gov\/opinions\/19pdf\/18-1086_new_5ifl.pdf\"><i>Lucky Brand Dungarees v. Marcel Fashions Group<\/i><\/a>, the Supreme Court issued a unanimous opinion in a case arising from a series of trademark disputes stretching back to 2001. The question presented was whether Lucky Brand\u2019s failure to litigate a defense in an earlier suit between the same parties barred Lucky Brand from invoking that defense in the later suit. In an opinion authored by Justice Sotomayor, the Court held that Lucky Brand was not barred from raising the defense in a later action, because the later action involved different marks, different legal theories, and different conduct, all occurring at different times. The Court specifically pointed out the risk in barring such claims in trademark cases, when \u201cliability for trademark infringement turns on marketplace realities that can change dramatically from year to year.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Lastly on the trademark front, this term, for the first time, the Supreme Court conducted arguments remotely by telephone and streamed live audio to the general public. As its first case, the Court selected <a href=\"https:\/\/www.supremecourt.gov\/opinions\/19pdf\/19-46_8n59.pdf\"><i>USPTO v. Booking.com<\/i><\/a>, presenting the issue of whether the addition of a generic top-level domain (\u201c.com\u201d) to an otherwise generic term can create a protectable trademark.<\/p>\n<p>The Court decided the case this morning in the affirmative\u2013 IPO will distribute a summary of the Ginsberg opinion today in a special issue of the\u00a0<i>IPO Daily News<\/i>&#x2122;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><b>Patents<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">The Supreme Court was not done yet. In a 7-2 decision authored by Justice Ginsburg, the Supreme Court in <i>Thryv v. Click-to-Call<\/i> reinforced the nonappealability of PTAB institution decisions. The Federal Circuit had held that application of the one-year time bar in 35 U.S.C. \u00a7 315(b) was an appealable issue. The Supreme Court begged to differ, citing its prior decision in <i>Cuozzo<\/i> and essentially asking what part of \u201cnonappealable\u201d don\u2019t you understand.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Though perhaps not as prolific as the Supreme Court, the Federal Circuit also issued several significant opinions in recent months:<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">\u00b7 In <i>Facebook v. Windy City Innovations<\/i>, the Federal Circuit slammed the door on same party joinder of IPRs as a procedural maneuver to skirt the one-year time bar;<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">\u00b7 The Court denied rehearing en banc of its controversial decision in <i>Arthrex<\/i>; and<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">\u00b7 In <i>Ciena v. Oyster Optics<\/i>, the Federal Circuit clarified that Arthrex only applies to appeals from patentees because petitioners consented to adjudication before the PTAB by the filing of their petitions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">That\u2019s it for now. Stay safe everyone!<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=&#8221;blue&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"strokeofgenius\"><\/a><strong>IPO Education Foundation Launches Stroke of Genius&#x2122; Season Three<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-30587\" src=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SoG-Logo-1-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SoG-Logo-1-66x66.png 66w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SoG-Logo-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SoG-Logo-1-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SoG-Logo-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SoG-Logo-1-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SoG-Logo-1-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SoG-Logo-1-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SoG-Logo-1-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SoG-Logo-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SoG-Logo-1-1200x1200.png 1200w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SoG-Logo-1-1536x1536.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Season 3 of the <em>Stroke of Genius&#x2122;<\/em> podcast explores the most pressing questions, fascinating stories, and often-overlooked marvels that make up the world of intellectual property\u2014one episode at a time. The new season launched June 3 with an episode about COVID-19, titled &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ipoef.org\/podcasts\/s3-e1-patents-in-pandemic\/%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank\" class=\"broken_link\"><span class=\"s1\">Patents in Pandemic&#8221;<\/span><\/a>. A different episode was planned to launch the season, but current events demanded that we address the pandemic through the lens of intellectual property.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">This season features a range of intellectual property topics. From famous copyright cases to the unheard stories behind impactful inventions, each episode transports us to a different place within the landscape of human innovation. Can we invent our way out of the world\u2019s largest problems? Can you trademark a color? What do monkeys and muggles have in common? Find out in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ipoef.org\/podcast\/\"><span class=\"s1\">Season 3<\/span><\/a>!<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">\u201cOur mission is to promote an understanding of intellectual property rights and their value to society,\u201d said IPOEF\u2019s Jessica Landacre. \u201cMany people may not know that intellectual property is the driver behind the innovation that makes up the world around us, from vaccines, to technology we use on a daily basis, to the songs we love. We want to reveal this hidden world and how it works to our listeners.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Episodes You Might Have Missed: <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ipoef.org\/podcasts\/s3-e1-patents-in-pandemic\/\">Patents in Pandemic&#8221;<\/a><em>: <\/em>In this premiere episode of\u00a0<em>Stroke of Genius&#x2122;\u00a0<\/em>Season 3, join experts from across industries as they discuss how intellectual property incentivizes innovation and how it is leveraged during a pandemic.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ipoef.org\/podcasts\/s3-e2-trashing-the-plastic-problem\/\">&#8220;Trashing the Plastic Problem&#8221;<\/a><em>: <\/em>Hear how one field trip to a recycling center sent students Miranda Wang and Jeanny Yao on a lifelong quest to rid the world of its plastic problem.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Upcoming episodes: <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>July 1<\/strong> <em>&#8211; &#8220;<\/em>The Wizarding World of Copyright&#8221; The magical world of copyright is full of extraordinary animals and wizards involved in fascinating lawsuits and muggle disputes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>July 15<\/strong> \u2013 &#8220;Secure in Your Thoughts&#8221;<em>: <\/em>We\u2019ve come a long way from a time when people didn\u2019t believe computer viruses could be real. Now, we\u2019re using fingerprints and facial recognition as passwords. And some are going a step further, exploring ways to use our brain patterns to unlock devices. Join us as we explore the past, present and future of cybersecurity.<\/p>\n<p><strong>July 29<\/strong> \u2013 &#8220;Bringing Books to Life Through Technology&#8221;<em>: <\/em>From personal struggles, to unexpected \u201caha\u201d moments, to their creative determination, hear about the inspiration behind inventors Matt &amp; Melissa Hammersley\u2019s invention and how intellectual property plays an important role in their dreams becoming reality.<\/p>\n<p><em>Stroke of Genius<\/em> Season 3 can be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ipoef.org\/podcast\/\">heard here<\/a> and on all major podcast platforms including <a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/stroke-of-genius\/id1438440166https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/stroke-of-genius\/id1438440166\" class=\"broken_link\">Apple<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.google.com\/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9zdHJva2VvZmdlbml1cy5saWJzeW4uY29tL3Jzcw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/5qi79xg3LofqxBHIxsVuTz?si=eVI03_qhR6q8ScLNakfIkQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>, and wherever you listen to podcasts.<\/p>\n<p>A special thank you to our sponsors:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.faegredrinker.com\/en\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-30588 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Faegre-Drinker_RGB_200w-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"88\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibm.com\/us-en\/?ar=1\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-30589 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IBM_logoR_blue60_RGB-1-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IBM_logoR_blue60_RGB-1-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IBM_logoR_blue60_RGB-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IBM_logoR_blue60_RGB-1-400x266.jpg 400w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IBM_logoR_blue60_RGB-1-600x399.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IBM_logoR_blue60_RGB-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IBM_logoR_blue60_RGB-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IBM_logoR_blue60_RGB-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IBM_logoR_blue60_RGB-1-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IBM_logoR_blue60_RGB-1-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.slwip.com\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-30590 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SLW-Logo-1-300x57.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SLW-Logo-1-200x38.jpg 200w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SLW-Logo-1-300x57.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SLW-Logo-1-400x76.jpg 400w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SLW-Logo-1-600x113.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SLW-Logo-1-768x145.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SLW-Logo-1-800x151.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SLW-Logo-1-1024x194.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SLW-Logo-1-1200x227.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/SLW-Logo-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ssmp.com\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-30591 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/ssmp-stacked_hi-res-1-300x67.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/ssmp-stacked_hi-res-1-200x45.jpg 200w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/ssmp-stacked_hi-res-1-300x67.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/ssmp-stacked_hi-res-1-400x89.jpg 400w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/ssmp-stacked_hi-res-1-600x134.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/ssmp-stacked_hi-res-1-768x172.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/ssmp-stacked_hi-res-1-800x179.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/ssmp-stacked_hi-res-1-1024x229.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/ssmp-stacked_hi-res-1-1200x268.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/ssmp-stacked_hi-res-1-1536x343.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=&#8221;blue&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"member\"><\/a><strong>IPO Member Highlight &#8211; Kirby Lee, Ecolab<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_30625\" style=\"width: 218px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30625\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-30625\" src=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Kirby-Lee-photo-208x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"208\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Kirby-Lee-photo-200x289.jpg 200w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Kirby-Lee-photo-208x300.jpg 208w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Kirby-Lee-photo-400x578.jpg 400w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Kirby-Lee-photo-600x866.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Kirby-Lee-photo-709x1024.jpg 709w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Kirby-Lee-photo-768x1109.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Kirby-Lee-photo-800x1155.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Kirby-Lee-photo-1064x1536.jpg 1064w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Kirby-Lee-photo.jpg 1108w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 208px) 100vw, 208px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-30625\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kirby Lee<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\">Ecolab is the global leader in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and vital resources. As its Assistant Chief Intellectual Property Counsel, Kirby Lee is responsible for patent and other intellectual property matters, including supporting the needs of Nalco Water business operations. This involves overseeing patent prosecution, managing technology portfolios, and supervising IP litigation and dispute resolution.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Lee currently serves as co-chair of IPO\u2019s Litigation Committee, is a member of IPO\u2019s Membership Committee, and has also served as a panelist on IP Chat Channel webinars. We recently asked him about his experience as an IPO member.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>How did you get involved with IPO?<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">When I joined Ecolab, I looked for ways to be active in the IP community, to contribute to the advancement of IP laws and regulations, and to meet like-minded professionals with a passion for IP. IPO was the perfect match for those goals, with its impressive range of benefits and resources for both the individual member and the company.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>What do you get the most out of serving as a committee leader?<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">As co-chair of IPO\u2019s Litigation Committee, I have the good fortune of working with esteemed colleagues from the bar who share a sincere interest in IP and are experts in our field. I consider this the greatest benefit of my service as a committee leader. This kind of connection to outstanding professionals and the valuable education on current developments in IP law are available to all IPO members, and they are terrific reasons for new members to join.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>What is your advice for a new IPO member looking to get involved?<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">First, involvement at the committee level is where a new member can work with other IP professionals and find terrific engagement on substantive IP issues that matter. For example, committee work may include preparing a resolution or white paper for the IPO Board of Directors, which necessarily taps into members\u2019 IP expertise and experience.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Second, IPO\u2019s Annual Meeting and IPOwners Spring Summit are top-quality conferences that provide valuable, relevant CLE and great networking opportunities. The sessions feature the best speakers, including notable elected officials and high-ranking agency officers, and they are always professionally staged. They are not to be missed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>What is the best advice you ever received?<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Early in my career, a mentor told me to keep an open mind about new opportunities in work and in life. I don\u2019t know that I could have predicted the different stages of my career development, but I am certain that I have benefited greatly from a willingness to explore unique and unusual possibilities.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Outside of IPO, what\u2019s something you\u2019re passionate about?<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">I love music and theater of all types. I perform with an outstanding community ensemble, the DuPage Symphony Orchestra, and I serve on its Board of Directors. Although classical music may seem far afield from IP law, I am glad to draw on my work skills and experience to help the organization. Further, I have been lucky to forge good friendships with fellow IPO members who share these passions, which a testament to how diverse and talented IPO\u2019s membership is.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Thanks to Kirby for telling us about his membership experience. IPO has 29 active committees working on the most important areas of IP law and practice. To learn more and get involved visit IPO\u2019s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/index.php\/committee-resources\/\"><span class=\"s2\">Committee Resources<\/span><\/a>\u00a0page.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=&#8221;blue&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"rememberance\"><\/a><strong>Remembering Gerry Mossinghoff and Todd Dickinson<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-10220\" src=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Herb_Wamsley_small_fix.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"86\" height=\"135\" \/>by Herbert C. Wamsley<\/strong>, <em>IPO Executive Director, 1983-2015<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">T<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">his spring t<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">he intellectual property community lost two<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0of its\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">best known and most respected leaders<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0 Gerald J.\u00a0Mossinghoff<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">died on\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">March 20; Q.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Todd\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dickinson<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0followed<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">on May<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a03.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Gerry\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">led<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office from 1981 to 1985.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Todd held<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0the<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0position from 1999 to 2001<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many tributes and obituaries have been published, b<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ut\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">would like<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">add\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a little more history\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">about<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Gerry and Todd<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in the world of IP\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">based on my recollections and those of IPO members and other<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">friends and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">colleagues.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Gerry\u00a0Mossinghoff\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_30617\" style=\"width: 229px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30617\" class=\"size-full wp-image-30617\" src=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Gerald-J.-Mossinghoff-GERRY.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"219\" height=\"147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Gerald-J.-Mossinghoff-GERRY-200x134.png 200w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Gerald-J.-Mossinghoff-GERRY.png 219w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 219px) 100vw, 219px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-30617\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Gerry Mossinghoff<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Gerry\u00a0was from St. Louis.\u00a0 He\u00a0started\u00a0his IP career\u00a0as a patent examiner in\u00a0the USPTO\u00a0in 1957\u00a0while he attended law school; it\u00a0was\u00a0a common way for aspiring lawyers to earn tuition money.<\/p>\n<p>I heard about Gerry when I joined the art unit in which he had examined.\u00a0\u00a0He had taken another job by then, but my co-workers told me he was one of the greatest examiners ever.\u00a0\u00a0I first met him when he came back to the USPTO to MC a retirement party for our boss.\u00a0\u00a0He arrived early, as he always did, and chatted with everyone in the room.\u00a0\u00a0It struck me that he was an exceptional lawyer and public speaker with a great sense of humor and that he would go far.<\/p>\n<p>Gerry\u00a0went to\u00a0work\u00a0as an attorney\u00a0at\u00a0NASA\u00a0during\u00a0its heyday.\u00a0 The\u00a0Apollo program\u00a0was underway\u00a0for landing a person on the moon.\u00a0 As\u00a0NASA\u2019s\u00a0legislative director and then deputy general counsel,\u00a0he\u00a0knew\u00a0astronauts\u00a0including\u00a0Jack\u00a0Schmitt.\u00a0\u00a0In\u00a01972,\u00a0Schmitt\u00a0became\u00a0the last\u00a0of 12\u00a0people\u00a0to walk\u00a0on the moon.\u00a0\u00a0A\u00a0national hero,\u00a0Schmitt\u00a0was elected to the U.S. Senate\u00a0from New Mexico.\u00a0In 1981 he\u00a0supported Gerry\u2019s appointment to be USPTO\u00a0Commissioner.\u00a0Gerry was in.<\/p>\n<p>In the book\u00a0<em>Reagan Remembered<\/em>, Gerry recalled that on the eve of\u00a0his\u00a0nomination\u00a0for the position of\u00a0\u201cCommissioner,\u201d as it was then titled, he and the secretary of commerce met personally with\u00a0President\u00a0Reagan. It was a rare\u00a0audience for a USPTO nominee with the President of the United States.\u00a0 Gerry was impressed with how much Reagan, a former movie actor, knew about intellectual property \u2013 not only copyrights, but also patents and trademarks.<\/p>\n<p>In Gerry\u2019s four years as commissioner he worked hard on the USPTO\u2019s operational problems.\u00a0 He developed the \u201c18 by 87\u201d plan for cutting the waiting time for a patent to 18 months by 1987.\u00a0 He repeated the slogan everywhere he went.\u00a0 He persuaded people to go along with a huge increase in patent fees in return for better service.<\/p>\n<p>When Gerry led a U.S. delegation to revise the Paris Convention, the U.S. State Department took the unusual step of giving him the rank of ambassador.\u00a0\u00a0He organized the Trilateral Patent Offices group with the European and Japanese offices that still exists.<\/p>\n<p>For 11 years after his government service, Gerry was president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, \u201cPhRMA\u201d, one of the world\u2019s largest trade associations and lobby groups.\u00a0He could never\u00a0explain\u00a0to me\u00a0why\u00a0the\u00a0acronym\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0spelled \u201cPHARMA.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Government and post-government, he testified before Congress more than 75 times.\u00a0 He then\u00a0entered private law practice\u00a0and testified as an expert witness in numerous patent trials.<\/p>\n<p>Throughout his career, Gerry was\u00a0committed to\u00a0IP education.\u00a0 He was an early and enthusiastic member of the IPO Education Foundation Board of Directors.<\/p>\n<p>For some 25 years Gerry taught IP classes at George Washington University and other law schools.\u00a0For many of those years,\u00a0he\u00a0invited\u00a0me to speak to his IP legislation students. I invited him to our annual IPO committee leadership meetings to scout for ideas for\u00a0his\u00a0students\u2019\u00a0papers.\u00a0\u00a0During his career, he authored more than 100 articles himself.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Todd Dickinson\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_30618\" style=\"width: 229px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30618\" class=\"size-full wp-image-30618\" src=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Q-Todd-Dickinson.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"219\" height=\"147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Q-Todd-Dickinson-200x134.png 200w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Q-Todd-Dickinson.png 219w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 219px) 100vw, 219px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-30618\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Todd Dickinson<\/p><\/div>\n<p>I met Todd in 1997 when he anticipated that he might be nominated by President Clinton to be second in command at the USPTO.\u00a0 He came to the IPO office to ask me about the views of IPO members and who he should meet\u00a0in Washington.\u00a0 It was\u00a0clear that he had the ability to make friends and he knew a lot about IP.\u00a0 Pretty soon, everyone knew Todd.<\/p>\n<p>Todd\u00a0had gone\u00a0to law school in Pittsburgh and held corporate and law firm patent jobs for more than 15 years in San Francisco and Philadelphia before coming to DC for government service.\u00a0 He used to say he\u2019d had so many jobs that people probably thought he couldn\u2019t hold one down.<\/p>\n<p>He\u00a0was\u00a0exceptionally\u00a0active in\u00a0local\u00a0political and\u00a0civic affairs before his\u00a0USPTO\u00a0appointment.\u00a0 He was appointed\u00a0city parking commissioner\u00a0by then\u00a0San Francisco\u00a0mayor\u00a0and now U.S. Senator\u00a0Dianne Feinstein.\u00a0\u00a0He later\u00a0moved\u00a0to Philadelphia,\u00a0where\u00a0he was again\u00a0active in\u00a0civic\u00a0affairs and\u00a0friends with\u00a0his congressman.<\/p>\n<p>Todd was appointed Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks in 1999 after serving more than a year as deputy. During Todd\u2019s time, Congress enacted the American Inventors Protection (AIPA), which at the time was called the biggest patent bill since the 1836 and 1952 acts.\u00a0\u00a0It proved easier to implement than the later and still somewhat controversial America Invents Act.\u00a0 Todd introduced an electronic patent application filing system in 2000.\u00a0\u00a0He became good friends with the heads of other patent offices and learned the byzantine Geneva bureaucracy.<\/p>\n<p>When Todd came to the USPTO,\u00a0he was the\u00a0\u201cCommissioner,\u201d\u00a0the title\u00a0since 1836.\u00a0 Congress changed\u00a0Todd\u2019s\u00a0title to \u201cDirector.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He\u00a0used to\u00a0joke that\u00a0he liked\u00a0the\u00a0old\u00a0name\u00a0much\u00a0better,\u00a0except that\u00a0the new\u00a0one\u00a0made\u00a0him an Under Secretary\u00a0of Commerce, which\u00a0gave\u00a0him more clout\u00a0in the government.<\/p>\n<p>Todd encouraged communication between the USPTO and\u00a0 IP associations such as IPOs.\u00a0\u00a0Many times he said to IPO members, \u201cWhen an issue comes up, I call the associations first.\u00a0\u00a0They are the ones who try to develop a consensus.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>At the end of the Clinton administration,\u00a0Todd joined a Washington law firm and later became chief IP counsel for General Electric Co.\u00a0 While at GE, he was a member of IPO\u2019s Board of Directors.\u00a0He once told me he was going to be a cheerleader for\u00a0IP\u00a0and that he planned to remind the other living former USPTO heads to be cheerleaders.<\/p>\n<p>He returned to Washington to be AIPLA executive director\u00a0for seven years. As his counterpart\u00a0at IPO, I compared notes with him\u00a0weekly.\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0IPO officers\u00a0and I\u00a0traveled with him\u00a0to\u00a0many\u00a0international conferences, where he was\u00a0remembered\u00a0and respected from his USPTO\u00a0days. He then\u00a0returned to\u00a0private\u00a0law\u00a0practice\u00a0and was\u00a0omnipresent in the IP community.<\/p>\n<p>Until Todd\u2019s death, he continued to volunteer\u00a0countless hours\u00a0for IP causes. He testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee as recently as last year.\u00a0 He was\u00a0a fixture\u00a0at the IPO Education Foundation\u2019s large awards dinner held\u00a0every\u00a0December\u00a0and often\u00a0spoke\u00a0at IPO meetings.\u00a0 Todd took up teaching at\u00a0GW law school recently.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Two Great Friends of the IP Community\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Gerry and Todd received nearly every\u00a0major\u00a0award given\u00a0to\u00a0IP lawyers.\u00a0\u00a0They continued to promote and teach IP after they\u00a0left\u00a0the PTO\u00a0because\u00a0they loved IP.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">They\u00a0had interests outside IP too numerous to mention.\u00a0 And devotion to family.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">They\u00a0touched\u00a0thousands of people and contributed immeasurably to\u00a0preserving\u00a0IP incentives for creativity and innovation.\u00a0\u00a0I am certain their influence will live on.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=&#8221;blue&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"worldip\"><\/a><strong>IPO and IPO Education FoundationJoined World IP Day Celebration<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30623\" src=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/WIPD20-web-2048x1024-REV-TWITTER-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/WIPD20-web-2048x1024-REV-TWITTER-200x113.jpg 200w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/WIPD20-web-2048x1024-REV-TWITTER-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/WIPD20-web-2048x1024-REV-TWITTER-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/WIPD20-web-2048x1024-REV-TWITTER-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/WIPD20-web-2048x1024-REV-TWITTER-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/WIPD20-web-2048x1024-REV-TWITTER-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/WIPD20-web-2048x1024-REV-TWITTER-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/WIPD20-web-2048x1024-REV-TWITTER-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/WIPD20-web-2048x1024-REV-TWITTER-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/WIPD20-web-2048x1024-REV-TWITTER.jpg 1820w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">April 26 marks World IP Day. Initially established in\u00a02000\u00a0by the World Intellectual Property Organization\u00a0(WIPO), the day meant to celebrate intellectual property on a global scale has grown every year. IPO proudly participates\u00a0in the celebration. This year\u2019s theme, <i>Innovate\u00a0for a Green Future<\/i>, brought attention to the impact intellectual property has on green innovation. IPO co-sponsored a video compiled by the USPTO that featured green innovators. In addition, IPO\u2019s committee members also lent their expertise to the World IP Day theme. Karthik Kumar, a member of IPO\u2019s Artificial Intelligence and Other Emerging Technologies Committee, wrote an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.intellectualpropertymagazine.com\/patent\/a-history-of-the-solar-cell-in-patents-140892.htm\" class=\"broken_link\"><span class=\"s1\">article published in Intellectual Property Magazine<\/span><\/a>\u00a0on solar cell technology.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-30602\" src=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IPday2020-Happy_World_IP_Day_E-with-EF-logo-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IPday2020-Happy_World_IP_Day_E-with-EF-logo-200x113.jpg 200w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IPday2020-Happy_World_IP_Day_E-with-EF-logo-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IPday2020-Happy_World_IP_Day_E-with-EF-logo-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IPday2020-Happy_World_IP_Day_E-with-EF-logo-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IPday2020-Happy_World_IP_Day_E-with-EF-logo-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IPday2020-Happy_World_IP_Day_E-with-EF-logo-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IPday2020-Happy_World_IP_Day_E-with-EF-logo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IPday2020-Happy_World_IP_Day_E-with-EF-logo-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IPday2020-Happy_World_IP_Day_E-with-EF-logo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IPday2020-Happy_World_IP_Day_E-with-EF-logo.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">The IPO Education Foundation (IPOEF) originally had plans to do an educational event,\u00a0like\u00a0the World IP Day IP Patch event it hosted last year for student-athletes with Shruti\u00a0Costales\u00a0(HP) and Piper\u00a0Crowell\u00a0(Nike). Due to COVID-19, IPOEF instead took advantage of distance learning and created educational videos on the World IP Day theme. The IPOEF YouTube page featured\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/2znUx1f\"><span class=\"s1\">video interviews<\/span><\/a>\u00a0with contemporary inventors of green technologies. These interviews included an inventor from IBM, the owners of a biodegradable t-shirt company,\u00a0and former Stroke of Genius podcast host, Andrea\u00a0Madho, who co-founded a sustainably-conscious\u00a0fashion technology startup. Visit the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3e8PdhN\"><span class=\"s1\">IPOEF YouTube page<\/span><\/a>\u00a0to view each of these video interviews.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=&#8221;blue&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"solar\"><\/a><strong>A History of the Solar Cell, in Patents<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>by Karthik Kumar, Ph.D.<\/strong>,<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:2,&quot;335551620&quot;:2,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><em>Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett &amp; Dunner, LLP<\/em><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:2,&quot;335551620&quot;:2,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30604 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Karthik-Kumar-Finnegan-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"170\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Karthik-Kumar-Finnegan-200x170.png 200w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Karthik-Kumar-Finnegan-300x255.png 300w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Karthik-Kumar-Finnegan-400x340.png 400w, https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Karthik-Kumar-Finnegan.png 530w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Introduction<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Solar cell technology\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">has seen exponential growth over the last two decades.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0 It has evolved from\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">serving<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">small-scale<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">niche\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">applications to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">being considered\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">mainstream<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">energy\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">source.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0 For example, worldwide solar photovoltaic capacity had grown to 512 Gigawatts by the end of 2018 (representing 27% growth from 2017)<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">1<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In 1956, solar panels cost roughly $300 per watt.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">By 1975, that figure had dropped to just over $100 a watt.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Today, a solar panel can cost as little as $0.50 a watt.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Several countries are edging towards double-digit contribution to their electricity needs from solar technology<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, a trend that by most accounts is forecast to continue into the foreseeable future<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This exponential adoption has been\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">made possible by\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">180 years of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">continuing\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">technological innovation<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in this industry<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0 Aided by patent protection, t<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">his centuries-long technological innovation\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">has\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">steadily\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">improved<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">solar\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">energy conversion efficiency<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0while<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0lower<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ing<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">volume production\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">cost<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">That history\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">also\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">littered with the names of some of the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">foremost<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0scientists and engineers<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to walk this earth<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0 In this article, we review that history, as captured in the patents<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0filed contemporaneously with the technological innovation<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ipo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Solar-Cells_Article_IPO_KarthikKumar.pdf\"><strong>Click here to read the full article.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row_content_no_spaces&#8221; el_id=&#8221;inner-banner&#8221;][vc_column][vc_single_image image=&#8221;30575&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1592491857754{padding-left: 40px !important;}&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] IN THIS  [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":72,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-30571","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>IPOwners Quarterly&#x2122; 06\/30\/2020 - Intellectual Property Owners Association<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" 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