This Week in Washington IP: Registering Trademarks in Mexico, Getting a Handle on Drug Prices, and Congress Talks AI

This week in Washington IP news, Congress holds a trio of hearings on artificial intelligence (AI) covering a variety of angles, from transparency to how the government is implementing the technology. Elsewhere, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) hosts an event about registering and enforcing trademarks in Mexico, and the American Enterprise Institute looks at balancing drug pricing and innovation.

Tuesday, September 12

Peterson Institute for International Economics

How can the WTO be revitalized?

At 9:15 AM on Tuesday, WTO Public Forum 2023 in Geneva and online livestream

The World Trade Organization is six months out from its next ministerial conference; thus, the Peterson Institute turns its attention to how the organization can be “revitalized as a real multilateral institution.” The panelists will discuss what realistic reforms to the WTO look like and what the expectations from the upcoming conference are.

Senate Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law

Oversight of A.I.: Legislating on Artificial Intelligence

At 2:30 PM on Tuesday, Dirksen Senate Office Building Room 226 and online livestream

Legislators around the world are being asked what their government is going to do in regards to AI policy. Back in May, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman testified before the Senate asking for regulation on artificial intelligence. Altman is the head of the company behind the most well-known generative AI platform ChatGPT, and since that testimony, Altman has continued to attempt to get members of Congress on his side. In this hearing, committee members will hear from academics as well as representatives from large tech companies like NVIDIA and Microsoft.

Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation

The Need for Transparency in Artificial Intelligence

At 2:30 PM on Tuesday, Committee Hearing Room, Russell 253 and online livestream

Artificial Intelligence is clearly on the minds of U.S. senators with another hearing focused on the burgeoning technology. This hearing will look at potential measures to increase transparency about AI use so consumers can be better informed. The committee members also hope to draw a line between beneficial AI uses and those that should be deemed “high-risk.” The committee will hear witness testimony from industry insiders and academics.

Wednesday, September 13

United States Patent and Trademark Office

Expanding your market: Trademarks

At 2:00 PM on Wednesday, online webinar

In this interactive session, the USPTO will work with the Mexican Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AMPPI) to learn about best practices when protecting or enforcing trademarks in Mexico. The hosts will walk through how you apply for trademark protection in the country, maintain that trademark registration, and a variety of new rules in Mexico related to trademarks. In addition to three AMPPI attorneys, attendees will also hear from Molly Kocialski, Regional Director, USPTO Rocky Mountain Regional Office, and Cynthia Henderson, USPTO IP Counselor for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Thursday, September 14

House Committee on Oversight and Accountability

How are Federal Agencies Harnessing Artificial Intelligence?

At 1:00 PM on Thursday, 2247 Rayburn House Office Building and online livestream

Not only is the private sector adapting to a landscape with increased use of AI, but government and public institutions also stand to make a splash in the sector. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has drawn attention to the need to get a comprehensive understanding of how the federal government uses AI.

American Enterprise Institute

The Continued Conundrum of Drug Pricing

At 1:30 PM on Thursday, AEI Auditorium and online livestream

In this panel discussion, the AEI will look at alternative solutions to rising drug prices that would balance innovation with fiscal prudence. The panelists include people with experience in pharmaceutical product development and payment policy and a physician and former regulator.

Friday, September 15

United States Patent and Trademark Office

Demo of the new trademark search system?

At 2:00 PM on Friday, online webinar

The USPTO is holding a virtual demo for the new trademark search system so attendees can familiarize themselves with the new system’s capabilities. This event is being held in preparation for the transition from the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS). After the demo, the USPTO will hold a question-and-answer session.