BIG Data for IP Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (18 Apr 2018): Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held.
What this bill does
S. 2601, the BIG Data for IP Act, would amend the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act to extend the period during which the Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) may set or adjust patent and trademark fees. The existing law authorized this fee-setting power for seven years from the America Invents Act's enactment; the bill would extend that authority to a ten-year period measured from this bill's own enactment. The bill also requires the Director, within two years of enactment, to submit a report to Congress on the USPTO's information technology capabilities for patent and trademark examination and related appeal boards, a five-year IT modernization plan, and an accounting of the agency's use of "advanced data science analytics" (such as artificial intelligence and machine learning) to improve examination consistency, error detection, and productivity, along with plans for further development and public disclosure of related findings.
The bill primarily affects the USPTO and its operations, as well as patent and trademark applicants, examiners, and attorneys who interact with the agency's fee structures and examination processes. Extending the fee-setting authority would allow the USPTO to continue funding its operations, including technology investments, without a near-term lapse in that authority.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on March 22, 2018, by Senator Christopher Coons with Senator Hatch, and was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 115th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Building Innovation Growth through Data for Intellectual Property Act or the BIG Data for IP Act
This bill amends the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act to extend for 10 years the authority of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to set and adjust patent fees.
Timeline
18 Apr 2018
Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held.
Common questions
- What does S. 2601 do?
- S. 2601, the BIG Data for IP Act, would amend the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act to extend the period during which the Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) may set or adjust patent and trademark fees. The existing law authorized this fee-setting power for seven years from the America Invents Act's enactment; the bill would extend that authority to a ten-year period measured from this bill's own enactment. The bill also requires the Director, within two years of enactment, to submit a report to Congress on the USPTO's information technology capabilities for patent and trademark examination and related appeal boards, a five-year IT modernization plan, and an accounting of the agency's use of "advanced data science analytics" (such as artificial intelligence and machine learning) to improve examination consistency, error detection, and productivity, along with plans for further development and public disclosure of related findings. The bill primarily affects the USPTO and its operations, as well as patent and trademark applicants, examiners, and attorneys who interact with the agency's fee structures and examination processes. Extending the fee-setting authority would allow the USPTO to continue funding its operations, including technology investments, without a near-term lapse in that authority. The bill was introduced in the Senate on March 22, 2018, by Senator Christopher Coons with Senator Hatch, and was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 115th Congress.
- Has S. 2601 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 2601. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 2601?
- S. 2601 was sponsored by Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE] (D-DE), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 2601?
- Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held. (18 Apr 2018).
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