PTAB roundtableRoundtable Discussions to Spur Dialogue on Possible Rule Changes

Roughly eighteen months have passed since the USPTO’s implementation of the new post grant patent challenges of the America Invents Act (AIA). Since the rules for implementing these post grant patent proceedings were developed under an aggressive time schedule, as promised, the USPTO is now revisiting those rules. In the months ahead, the USPTO will be considering whether revisions/refinements to the Patent Trial & Appeal Board’s (PTAB) rules are in order. To kickoff the effort, the PTAB will be conducting informational/roundtable discussions around the country. Once the roadshows are concluded, the USPTO is planning a Federal Register Notice this summer to collect additional stakeholder comments.

The roadshow agenda includes a discussion of AIA trial statistics, lessons learned, and techniques for successful motions practice.  The roundtables are free and open to all with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Stops include, Alexandria (webcast available), New York, Chicago, Detroit, Santa Clara, Seattle, Dallas, and Denver.

Schedule and agenda are posted below.

Time Topic Details

1:00 p.m.           Welcome
1:10 p.m.           PTAB Presentation              Overview of trials, statistics, and lessons learned
2:10 p.m.           Mock Conference Call        Topics include motion to amend and motion for additional discovery
3:10 p.m.           BREAK
3:30 p.m.           Panel Discussion                   Administrative patent judges and local practitioners
5:00 p.m.           Closing Remarks

Audience questions and participation is welcomed throughout the program.
More information about the Roundtables may be found (here)
* All Roundtables are scheduled between 1 and 5 p.m., local time.

Program Agenda
Location/Date/Directions

Alexandria, VA**
Tuesday, April 15
USPTO Headquarters, Madison Auditorium North 600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA  22314
** accessible via webcast

New York City, NY
Thursday, April 17
New York Law School, Auditorium (WA14)
185 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013

Chicago, IL
Tuesday, April 22
Chicago Public Library, Cindy Pritzker Auditorium
400 S. State Street, Chicago, IL 60605

Detroit, MI
Thursday, April 24
Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Auburn Hills Campus, Room 145
2630 Featherstone Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326

Silicon Valley, CA
Tuesday, April 29
Santa Clara University, Nobili Hall
500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053

Seattle, WA
Thursday, May 1
University of Washington, Odegaard Undergraduate Library, Room 220
4060 George Washington Ln NE, Seattle, WA 98195

Dallas, TX
Tuesday, May 6
Dallas Bar Association, Belo Mansion, Pavilion West
2101 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75201

Denver, CO**
Thursday, May 8
Colorado Bar Association Office
1900 Grant St, Denver, CO 80203