Bill proposes exempting USPTO from budget sequestration

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2025

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Bill proposes exempting USPTO from budget sequestration

A bill has been introduced to the US Congress proposing to exempt the USPTO from funding cuts as a result of budget sequestration

The Patents And Trademarks Encourage New Technology (PATENT) Jobs Act , introduced by Representatives Mike Honda, Zoe Lofgren and Anna Eshoo, would exempt the Office from budget cuts from 2014 to 2021.

A press release from Honda claims that if legislation is not passed, the USPTO will not be able to open five new patent offices around the country, including one in Silicon Valley. Honda said that an exception should be made for the USPTO because, unlike other government agencies, it is funded entirely by fees paid to the Office.

Honda also expressed concern about the Office’s backlog of 640,000 applicants, which the planned new locations are designed to ease.

In May, AIPLA president Jeff Lewis wrote to the Office of Management and Budget protesting against sequestration being applied to the USPTO. Lewis, writing on behalf of AIPLA’s 15,000 members, said recent progress in reducing the backlog is likely to be undermined by sequestration.

In a statement today, AIPLA executive director Q Todd Dickinson welcomed the proposed legislation.

“We believe that Rep. Honda's bill recognizes the unique fee-funded status of the USPTO and provides the best chance of ensuring the necessary funding for effective implementation of the AIA," said Dickinson.

more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

A settlement between Philips and Transsion and a loss for AstraZeneca in the UK were also among the top talking points
Working with Harvey and Microsoft, the firm has been at the forefront of developing AI tools for its lawyers, and is now exploring new projects and business models
The Emotional Perception AI case, which centres on the patentability of an artificial neural network, will be heard next week
Developments included a court order related to InterDigital’s anti-anti-suit injunction against Disney, and clarification on recoverable costs
Partners at Foley Hoag examine how recent CJEU jurisprudence may serve as a catalyst for recalibrating US judicial reluctance to entertain foreign patent claims
International law firms have high hopes for their IP practices in Saudi Arabia, with many opening offices, but recruiting and retaining talent in the Kingdom presents unique challenges
Patrick Ogola joins us for our ‘Five minutes with’ series to discuss helping African entrepreneurs on the global stage, and explains why young lawyers should speak up
Heli Pihlajamaa, the EPO’s principal director for patent law and procedures, joins us to take stock of the unitary patent following its second anniversary
Kelly Thompson, chair of South African firm Adams & Adams, discusses self-belief, self-doubt, and the importance of saying yes
The renowned food brands were represented by a host of lawyers, including members of the firms’ IP teams
Gift this article