USPTO announces new panel to mitigate threats to patent system

The USPTO recently announced the establishment of a new working group to further expand its efforts to protect the integrity of the US patent system and reduce threats to the patent system. The USPTO's move aims to limit improper activities in patent application and review procedures and reduce the backlog of patent applications. The working group will focus on the following areas:

• Addressing fraud in micro-entity and small entity expense certification and declaration
• Monitor suspicious application documents
• Identify and review potentially misleading information provided to the USPTO, including false signatures, and use administrative sanctions procedures to address such misleading information when appropriate

Additionally, the USPTO has launched a new webpage that will provide a centralized and dedicated source of information to inform the public about new and potential threats in patent application and review proceedings. The USPTO will also share data related to its mitigation efforts.