In This Section
17th Annual Design Day
May 9, 2024 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Join us for an in-person or virtual day of lively and thought-provoking discussion about various aspects of design patents, hosted at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Get insights from USPTO design managers, design patent practitioners, and industrial designers. No CLE credit is offered for attendance.
Participate virtually or in-person on Thursday, May 9, 2024, from 10:00am - 5:00pm EDT. There will be a networking opportunity from 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT, following the formal program.
The event will feature: updates from USPTO leadership and the Director of Technology Center 2900; targeted presentations on the new Design Practitioner Bar, the Supplemental GUI examination guidelines released in late 2023, and important design-related cases from district courts, the PTAB, and the Federal Circuit. The event will also include helpful presentations on changes and anticipated changes in global design law, as well as, tips and tricks for using the updated WIPO Design Database, the new Hague Application direct filing interface, and the USPTO Search Tool. Finally, we will hear an inspirational keynote from entrepreneur Joshua Thurmond, designer and inventor of the LavaBox, portable campfire.
Register for In-person Register for Virtual
Co-Sponsors:
Add to:
News
-
febe67d90baa48c2b9fdad4c821012c5.png?sfvrsn=58142fde_0 "USPTO")
AIPLA Comments to the USPTO on the WIPO GRTK Treaty
March 21, 2025
Arlington, VA. March 18, 2025 –The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted comments on the World Intellectual Property Organization Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge. -
.png?sfvrsn=143e8f56_1 "supreme court")
Supreme Court Issues Unanimous Decision in Dewberry Group v. Dewberry Engineers
February 26, 2025
On February 26, 2025, the Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in Dewberry Group, Inc. v. Dewberry Engineers Inc. The opinion is in line with the amicus brief filed by AIPLA on September 6, 2024. -
AIPLA Comments on Proposed Thai Patent Law
February 5, 2025
Arlington, VA. January 30, 2025 –The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted comments to the Department of Intellectual Property of Thailand on the New Draft Patent Law being considered for adoption. The comments focus on many issues in the proposed law relating to patent registration, subject matter eligibility, patent term extensions, and enforcement, among other matters. -
AIPLA and IPO Issue Joint Letter to Congress Urging Action to Reduce Patent Backlog
February 4, 2025
In a joint letter, AIPLA and IPO urged Congress to ensure the USPTO has the resources and flexibility needed to address its patent application backlog, which has reached 826,000. The letter notes that timely patent examination is essential to US innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness, yet recent executive actions—such as a hiring freeze, return-to-office mandates, and employee buyouts—may impact the USPTO’s operations. Unlike other agencies, the USPTO is funded by user fees, not taxpayer dollars, and must retain resources to process applications efficiently. Restrictive policies could slow innovation, weaken IP protection, and harm US economic leadership. Secretary of Commerce nominee Howard Lutnick has acknowledged the urgency of reducing delays, and we support efforts to strengthen the USPTO’s capacity. AIPLA and IPO welcome the opportunity to work with Congress on legislative and administrative solutions that support American inventors and businesses. -
Updates on the Forthcoming USPTO Patent Fees
January 17, 2025
On November 20, 2024, the USPTO published its final rule, “Setting and Adjusting Patent Fees During Fiscal Year 2025,” which will take effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Since the April 3, 2024, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to establish or increase certain patent fees, AIPLA has actively engaged with its members by gathering feedback, submitting written comments, meeting with USPTO officials, and hosting informational webinars to keep members informed of the changes. As the implementation date approaches, members have raised additional questions, prompting AIPLA to seek clarification from the USPTO. Read below the results of our outreach with the Office.