Description |
1 online resource (ii, 54 pages) : color illustrations |
|
text txt rdacontent |
|
computer c rdamedia |
|
online resource cr rdacarrier |
Note |
Title from title screen (viewed on July 20, 2016). |
|
"June 2016." |
|
"GAO-16-490." |
Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references. |
Summary |
Resolving disputes over patent infringement and validity in court often costs millions of dollars. Legal scholars and economists have raised concerns about an increase in the numbers of low quality patents, such as those that are unclear and overly broad, which may lead to an increase in patent infringement suits and can hinder innovation by blocking new ideas from entering the marketplace. GAO was asked to review issues related to patent quality. GAO examined (1) recent trends in patent infringement litigation and (2) what additional opportunities exist, if any, to improve patent quality. GAO reviewed relevant laws and agency documents; analyzed patent infringement litigation data from 2007 through 2015; conducted a survey of a generalizable sample of USPTO examiners; and interviewed officials from USPTO and knowledgeable stakeholders, including legal scholars, technology companies, and patent attorneys, among others. GAO makes seven recommendations, including that USPTO more consistently define patent quality and articulate that definition in agency documents and guidance, reassess the time allotted for examination, analyze the effects of incentives on patent quality, and consider requiring applicants to use additional clarity tools. |
Subject |
United States. Patent and Trademark Office -- Rules and practice.
|
|
Patent infringement -- United States -- Prevention.
|
|
Intellectual property infringement -- United States -- Prevention.
|
|
Patents -- United States.
|
Added Author |
United States. Congress. House. Committee on the Judiciary, sponsoring body.
|
Added Title |
Patent Office should define quality, reassess incentives, and improve clarity |
Gpo Item No. |
0546-D (online) |
Sudoc No. |
GA 1.13:GAO-16-490 |
|