Compared to study results released in 2012 before implementation of the AIA, roughly double the companies indicated that they made changes in invention capture and submission stage versus their preparation and filing stage.
Some 85% of companies indicated that the AIA has influenced them to make public disclosure of an invention prior to patent filing policy changes. A third of companies indicated that the increase in USPTO fees will cause an increase to their patent budget.
“America Invents Act has encouraged companies to adapt their procedures, workflows and policies. The increased fees as well as pre and post grant proceedings are major factors that are impacting budgeting and strategy,” said Robert Williamson, president at ipPerformance Group.
Fifty-nine companies representing a variety of industries participated in the study, including Air Liquide, Nova Chemical, Sun Chemical, Dow Corning Corporation, Nova Measuring Instruments, ZBD, Avebe, Sasol, Neste Oil, Micro Encoder, Automotive Technologies and Freescale Semiconductor.
