This Week in Washington IP: How the USPTO and Innovators Can Harness AI, a Preview of the Upcoming Supreme Court Term, and Assessing the Biggest Talking Points for U.S. Trade Policy

This week in Washington IP news, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) discusses how innovators and the Office can use AI tools to their advantage. The Hudson Institute turns its attention to U.S. trade policy, including important trends in semiconductor geopolitics. Elsewhere, the House Science Committee will look into how the EPA uses technology and research development to support local partners and other stakeholders.

Tuesday, September 26

Hudson Institute

Assessing US Trade Policy with Ambassador Susan Schwab

At 10:00 AM on Tuesday, Hudson Institute and online livestream

Semiconductor geopolitics and robust supply chains are two of the biggest talking points for commentators, policymakers, and stakeholders when looking at U.S. trade policy. The Hudson Institute will discuss these issues and more when hosting a talk with former US Trade Representative Ambassador Susan Schwab. The discussion will also cover what the prospects are for U.S. trade policy and if Congress will continue to take a back seat to the Biden Administration.

United States Patent and Trademark Office

Trademark public listening session on changes to duration of attorney recognition

At 2:00 PM on Tuesday, USPTO Headquarters and online livestream

In this listening session, the USPTO will hear from members of the public about whether the Office should retain or revise the current trademark rule regarding attorney recognition. The proposed changes and session are aimed at addressing the concerns of practitioners whose recognition before the USPTO ends despite their representation of an applicant or registrant continuing based on an agreement.

Wednesday, September 27

House Committee on Science, Space and Technology

Science and Technology at the EPA

At 10:00 AM on Wednesday, 2318 Rayburn House Office Building and online livestream

The House Science Committee will discuss how the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deploys new technology. The hearing will also discuss the EPA’s research arm, the Office of Research and Development (ORD) which is tasked with supporting the needs of various stakeholders on a state, local, and tribal level. The goal of the hearing is to review how the EPA’s science and technology activities impact its decision-making process. 

United States Patent and Trademark Office

AI/ET Partnership Series #4: AI tools and data

At 10:30 AM on Wednesday, USPTO Headquarters and online livestream

This is the fourth session in the USPTO’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emerging Technologies (ET) Partnership Series, and it will feature a variety of talks ranging from AI risk management to AI & IP research. The goal of the series is to investigate the IP implications of this emerging technology. Panelists will discuss how AI can be harnessed to benefit IP stakeholders, how the USPTO believes it can use its data to advance AI, and policy issues surrounding AI and IP.

Thursday, September 28

American Enterprise Institute

Cases and Controversies: A Preview of the Supreme Court’s 2023–24 Term

At 12:30 PM on Thursday, AEI Auditorium and online livestream

With the Supreme Court slated to begin a new session on October 2, the American Enterprise Institute will preview the potential cases that will come up in the 2023-2024 term. Not only will panelists look at the top cases, but they will also discuss what broader trends can be seen in constitutional law. Panelists include Supreme Court correspondents as well as legal experts.