TAKEAWAY: The USPTO has launched a new online hub for information about the agency’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the past several months, the USPTO has enacted several programs with the goal of accelerating innovation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These programs include prioritized examination of COVID-19 related patent applications, and the Patents 4 Partnerships marketplace for licensing of patents and patent applications related to prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of COVID-19.
Recognizing that stakeholders may not be aware of all of the programs that are available, the USPTO has launched a COVID-19 Response Resource Center as a hub for information about the agency’s response to COVID-19. In addition to USPTO programs, the Resource Center provides links to information on how the pandemic has affected international IP rights via the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and other patent offices. For example, WIPO maintains a COVID-19 IP Policy Tracker with status information for patent offices around the world.
The USPTO has indicated that the Resource Center will be updated on a continuing basis to incorporate new information, programs, and initiatives. Applicants and other stakeholders can look to this central hub for the latest information on the USPTO’s efforts to help navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic.