Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property

From DNA vaccines, to purifying virus-like particles, to inventions that will protect the American people against traditional and new threats – this is the kind of impact-producing innovation our country needs. "Only through the work of citizens like you will the U.S. incentivize more innovation and bring more innovation to impact, including in key technology areas, and inclusively," said Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property.

Did you know the first U.S. patent and U.S. patent no. 1 were two different patents? They were both issued during the month of July, but 46 years apart. The first patent issued in the United States was granted on OTD in 1790 to Samuel Hopkins for a process of making potash, an ingredient used in fertilizer. At the time, there was no patent numbering system, no dedicated patent examiners, and no patent office! All of those changes would come later, as the intellectual property system in the United States continued to strengthen and evolve throughout the early republic. Want to learn more about the history of the patent system in the United States? Check out our timeline: https://bit.ly/3Sm0Fgk

Congratulations to Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, for being recognized in this year’s Forbes 50 Over 50 in Innovation! This is a list of groundbreaking and inspiring women who have used their experience and wisdom to make great contributions in their industries. It is no surprise that the head of America’s Innovation Agency would be among them! Learn about how the USPTO’s initiatives broaden the innovation ecosystem: https://bit.ly/3aK485s #ForbesOver50 Know Your Value

Today, the U.S. Copyright Office released Copyright and Artificial Intelligence Part 1: Digital Replicas – the first in a planned multipart report on copyright-related legal and policy issues associated with the emergence of AI technology. This report addresses legal and policy issues surrounding AI-generated digital replicas, or the use of digital technology to realistically replicate an individual’s voice or appearance. “There is almost nothing more personal, and from artists to athletes almost nothing more valuable, than an individual’s name, voice, and likeness,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO Kathi Vidal. “The USPTO thanks the Copyright Office for its report and will consider the report’s findings as we prepare recommendations for potential executive action on these issues to ensure the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and use of AI technologies.” Read more: https://bit.ly/3LIJZvM

Raising awareness and strengthening public-private coordination on standards for critical and emerging technologies ensure the U.S. remains a global innovation leader. USPTO is proud to partner with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to play a role in the National Standards Strategy as we work with foreign partners on global alignment on standard essential patents (SEP) to advance a vibrant and competitive SEP market for innovators and licensees. IMPLEMENTATION ROAD MAP: https://lnkd.in/eHEmiGgf FACT SHEET: https://bit.ly/46Dl1rr

🎉 We are celebrating the results of the White House Executive Order to promote the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and use of artificial intelligence including USPTO’s guidance on the eligibility of patent claims for the benefit of innovators, practitioners and our patent examiners reviewing applications related to AI. The guidance was developed with input from federal agencies, experts in the AI and emerging technology community, and USPTO stakeholders. Check out more AI highlights on the White House fact sheet: https://bit.ly/4cVsZyp

Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property recently chatted with PBS NewsHour Classroom during our National Summer Teacher Institute to highlight some of the great positions at the USPTO, why her background as a military child taught her a lot about resiliency, and why core tenets of entrepreneurship can be taught to kids through a classic summer activity: a lemonade stand. Watch: https://bit.ly/46pxRJK

At a White House Summit on critical and emerging technology standards, Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property joined her colleagues from across government to celebrate the kick of the Implementation Roadmap for the U.S. Government National Standards Strategy. “Raising awareness and strengthening public-private coordination on standards for critical and emerging technologies ensure the U.S. remains a global innovation leader,” said Undersecretary Vidal. “USPTO is proud to play a role in the National Standards Strategy as we work with foreign partners on global alignment on standard essential patents (SEP) to advance a vibrant and competitive SEP market for innovators and licensees.” FACT SHEET: https://bit.ly/46Dl1rr

The many careers at USPTO! Thanks PBS! Also appreciate all the teachers, librarians, parents/caregivers and pro bono counsel across the country who are availing themselves of our support and paying it forward to the next generation. 🙏

Just announced: We are proposing to retain current response deadlines for Trademark post-registration office actions. Share your feedback by August 19. https://bit.ly/46eDI4u