On September 16, 2011, President Obama signed into law the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (the "AIA"). The law makes the most sweeping reform of the United States patent system in at least 60 years. The changes under the AIA will be phased in over the next eighteen months. While a number of significant changes will not take effect until late 2012 and early 2013, patent applicants can optimize their positions under the new law by taking certain steps now:
1.Budget for increased fees: A 15% surcharge on all Patent Office fees went into effect on September 26, 2011. The Patent Office has continuing discretion to increase fees to meet rising costs...
Please see full publication below for more information.