Patent Office Public Advisory Panel's 2022 Report

The Patent Public Advisory Committee (PPAC) appointed by the Secretary of Commerce has nine voting members. The committee is statutorily responsible for with reviewing “policies, goals, performance, budget, and user fees of the United States Patent and Trademark Office … and advise the Director on these matters.” 35 USC 5.  The committee also must prepare an annual report.  This year’s report focusses on making patents accessible, predictable, durable, enforceable, affordable, and understandable patent rights. The need for predictability is a long felt need in the life sciences where the Federal Circuit’s unpredictability presents significant challenges in securing enforceable patent protection. A copy of the report is here.