Leadership in CET Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (21 May 2025): Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
What this bill does
S. 1833, the Leadership in CET Act, would direct the head of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to create a pilot program that speeds up examination of patent applications covering certain "critical or emerging technologies," including specified artificial intelligence capabilities, semiconductor design and electronic design automation tools, and quantum information science. The program would let applicants move qualifying applications ahead of the normal queue through a petition process, and the Director could waive certain fees and set rules for participation, deadlines, and appeals.
To qualify, an application must be an original, non-continuing utility patent filing, the applicant cannot be a "foreign entity of concern," and no inventor may be named on more than four other pilot applications. This primarily affects inventors, companies, and research institutions developing AI, semiconductor, or quantum technologies who seek faster patent review, as well as the Patent Office, which must implement and report on the program. The pilot would end after five years or once 15,000 applications are accepted, with a possible renewal, and USPTO must publicly report data and eventually submit an effectiveness report to Congress.
The bill was introduced May 21, 2025, by Senator Marsha Blackburn (with Senator Welch) and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It has not yet been voted on; further committee action or floor votes would be needed before it could become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Leadership in Critical and Emerging Technologies Act or the Leadership in CET Act
This bill directs the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to establish and carry out a pilot program to expedite the patent examination process for patents involving critical or emerging technologies (i.e., artificial intelligence, semiconductor design, or quantum information science). The USPTO must report to Congress on the impact and effectiveness of the pilot program.
Timeline
21 May 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Common questions
- What does S. 1833 do?
- S. 1833, the Leadership in CET Act, would direct the head of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to create a pilot program that speeds up examination of patent applications covering certain "critical or emerging technologies," including specified artificial intelligence capabilities, semiconductor design and electronic design automation tools, and quantum information science. The program would let applicants move qualifying applications ahead of the normal queue through a petition process, and the Director could waive certain fees and set rules for participation, deadlines, and appeals. To qualify, an application must be an original, non-continuing utility patent filing, the applicant cannot be a "foreign entity of concern," and no inventor may be named on more than four other pilot applications. This primarily affects inventors, companies, and research institutions developing AI, semiconductor, or quantum technologies who seek faster patent review, as well as the Patent Office, which must implement and report on the program. The pilot would end after five years or once 15,000 applications are accepted, with a possible renewal, and USPTO must publicly report data and eventually submit an effectiveness report to Congress. The bill was introduced May 21, 2025, by Senator Marsha Blackburn (with Senator Welch) and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It has not yet been voted on; further committee action or floor votes would be needed before it could become law.
- Has S. 1833 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 1833. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 1833?
- S. 1833 was sponsored by Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN] (R-TN), with 4 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 1833?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (21 May 2025).
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