What USPTO policy is Google challenging?

Google is challenging the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's 'settled expectations' policy, which reportedly makes it difficult to challenge patents over six years old.

Why is Google taking this to the Supreme Court?

Google is seeking the Supreme Court's guidance to ensure stability for American businesses and to invalidate a policy they argue is unlawful and fuels patent litigation.

What is the impact of the USPTO's 'settled expectations' policy?

The policy allegedly makes it harder to review older patents and has been cited as a factor contributing to an increase in patent litigation against businesses.

Home / Business and Economy / Google Battles Patent Office for Fairer IP Challenges

Google Battles Patent Office for Fairer IP Challenges

28 Apr

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Summary

Google urges Supreme Court to review USPTO's 'settled expectations' policy.
Policy allegedly makes older patents harder to challenge legally.
Google argues rule fuels patent litigation against businesses.

Google Battles Patent Office for Fairer IP Challenges

Google has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a policy enacted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This policy, referred to as 'settled expectations,' reportedly makes it more difficult to challenge patents that have been in force for over six years.

Google argues that this USPTO rule is unlawful and has contributed to a nearly 20% increase in patent litigation against American businesses over the past year. The company stated that the Supreme Court's guidance is needed to provide the stability that businesses require.