The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has extended its submission deadline for public comments on the latest draft of its 2022-2026 Strategic Plan (SP), the office has announced.
The USPTO stated "we welcome comments on all aspects of the draft plan," and asked comments be emailed to strategicplan@uspto.gov by Feb. 17.
"We are working to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity for the benefit of all Americans and people around the world," the USPTO stated in the Jan. 6 announcement.
The SP sets five goals it states are inspired by the USPTO's "mission and vision" - driving inclusive innovation and global competitiveness; promoting the efficient delivery of reliable intellectual property (IP) rights; promoting the protection of IP against new and persistent threats; bringing innovation to positive impact; and generating impactful employee and customer experiences by maximizing agency operations, the office states in the announcement.
The USPTO is responsible for granting U.S. patents and registering trademarks; advising the president and federal agencies; and advances effective IP protections worldwide, according to its website.
"Under this system of protection, American industry has flourished," the USPTO states on its website. "New products have been invented, new uses for old ones discovered, and employment opportunities created for millions of Americans.
"The strength and vitality of the U.S. economy depends directly on effective mechanisms that protect new ideas and investments in innovation and creativity," the USPTO states.
Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, said the agency will follow the finalized SP as it works with stakeholders and other government departments "to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity, create jobs, and enhance global competitiveness and national security.”
“If we can expand the number of inventors by four-fold," Vidal said in the announcement, "we can grow our economy and GDP by $1 trillion."
