This Week in Washington IP: Five Years of the Music Modernization Act, AI-Generated Materials and Copyright, and Tech as a Tool to Better Humanity

This week in Washington IP news, the House IP Subcommittee will look at the impact of the Music Modernization Act five years since its enactment. Elsewhere, the U.S. Copyright Office (USCO) will discuss its latest policy on AI-generated content. Also, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is offering guidance on the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) process.

Tuesday, June 27

House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet

Five Years Later – The Music Modernization Act

At 10:00 AM on Tuesday, Belmont University and online livestream

On Tuesday, this House subcommittee will hold a field hearing in Nashville, Tennessee to examine the impact of the Music Modernization Act (MMA). Subcommittee members will also evaluate the system created by the MMA that administers blanket mechanical licenses and distributes mechanical licensing royalties. During this meeting, representatives will also consider potential reforms to the bill.                                                                                                 

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Navigating the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board appeals process

At 2:00 PM on Tuesday, online webinar

On Tuesday, the USPTO is offering a free experienced practitioner training webinar that will help those looking to appeal an examining attorney’s refusal with the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB). Two Administrative Trademark Judges (APJ) from the TTAB will walk attendees through the appeals process and best practices. 

Wednesday, June 28

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Design Webinar Series: Implementing design patents into a business strategy

At 1:00 PM on Wednesday, online webinar

On Wednesday, the USPTO is kicking off its third annual design webinar series with a session focusing on design patent basics. The hosts will show attendees how to use the new search tool, and industry experts will discuss how you can maximize value with design patents. The event is hosted by the USPTO’s Silicon Valley Regional Office and Rocky Mountain Regional Office. 

U.S. Copyright Office

Registration Guidance for Works Containing AI-generated Content

At 2:00 PM on Wednesday, online webinar

On Wednesday, the USCO is hosting a webinar that will walk attendees through the Office’s latest statement of policy on AI. Rob Kasunic, Associate Register of Copyrights and Director of Registration Policy and Practice, and Erik Bertin, Deputy Director of Registration Policy and Practice, will answer frequently asked questions about AI-generated content and its relation with copyright policy. The speakers will also discuss how the USCO evaluates applications that contain AI-generated material.

Thursday, June 29

New America

Tech for Humanity Summit

At 10:30 AM on Thursday, online livestream

On Thursday, New America and Virginia Tech are hosting the inaugural Tech for Humanity Summit to discuss the creation of a human-centered and equitable technological future. National and global leaders will talk through the responsibilities of individuals and organizations to create this future. New America will also award the “Tech for Humanity” Award recognizing transformational leadership in the domain of public interest technology to Jennifer Pahlka, founder of Code for America. Innovators and industry insiders from a range of companies and institutions will gives speeches at the event.

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Author: izanbar