Recent Events

Pioneering Women at the Board, A Panel Discussion

The Women’s Committee and the Diversity Committee of the PTAB Bar Association and the American Association of Patent Judges hosted an evening of networking and discussion about the experiences of some of the first women judges at the PTAB on November 7, 2024, at the National Inventor Hall of Fame Museum at the USPTO Headquarters. Moderated by Hon. Lynne Browne, along with panelists Hon. Adriene Hanlon, Hon. Joan Ellis (Ret.), and Hon. Catherine Timm, attendees learned from women judges as they shared their inspiring stories of overcoming challenges, demonstrating resilience, and rising to new heights in their remarkable journeys! 

Young Lawyers and Agents Committee – Nuts and Bolts Series

On October 30, 2024, the Young Lawyers and Agents Committee offered a new webinar in the Nuts and Bolts Series designed to share information among less experienced PTAB practitioners. This Nuts and Bolts presentation, An Introduction to Motions to Amend at the PTAB, led by Patrick King of Fish & Richardson, PC, examined the use of motions to amend in inter partes review proceedings. Also discussed was the history of motions to amend before the PTAB, including the introduction and reception of the PTAB’s pilot program allowing a patent owner to request and receive preliminary guidance. Additional information on this event can be found at Young Lawyers and Agents Committee - PTAB Bar Association.

2024 PTAB Bar Association Thought Leader Summit

The PTAB Bar Association Thought Leader Summit Bi-Coastal event at the USPTO Alexandria, VA, and the USPTO San Jose, CA, on October 10, 2024, was a success! Both venues were sold out! Attendees heard from panel of distinguished USPTO speakers and industry leaders on recent rulemaking efforts and updates from the USPTO.  In the small group discussions, attendees discussed topics such as Inherency Issues, Petitions in Joint Defense Litigation, and Obviousness Analysis.  And, new this year, experts and attendees discussed issues of Hearings, Ex Parte Appeals, Claim Amendment, and other topics during the Expertise Expo session. The programming was followed by wonderful opportunities to network with peers and colleagues at receptions offered in both venues. 

Diversity Committee Windy City Meet Up

The Diversity Committee of the PTAB Bar Association partnered with the Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago (IPLAC) to host a night of networking and debates at the Windy City Meet Up on September 24, 2024.  The event featured student from Chicago Public Schools debating the 2024-25 national high school debate topic: whether the U.S federal government should significantly strengthen its protection of domestic intellectual property (IP) rights in copyrights, patents, and/or trademarks. The attendees enjoyed an opportunity to network with area practitioners as well as representatives from multiple organizations, including IPLAC, Chicago Debates, ADAPT.legal, Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation (IPOEF), and the PTAB Bar Association.