New USPTO Director Aims to Tackle Backlogs, Boost Patent Quality, and Combat 'Trolls'
John A. Squires, the current Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property, has ambitious plans for the agency. Confirmed on September 17, 2025, Squires aims to tackle the patent application backlog, enhance patent quality, and combat 'patent troll' practices. Meanwhile, Dana Colarulli, a partner at ACG Advocacy and Executive Director of the Licensing Executive Society International (LESI), shares insights into the complexities and opportunities in the current tumultuous patent landscape.
Squires' future goals include addressing the patent application backlog, improving patent quality through 'Born Strong' patents, reducing legal uncertainty under Section 101, and integrating AI tools to boost examination quality and efficiency. He also plans to restore the USPTO's global leadership, promote strong IP protections, and ensure transparency in foreign litigation funding.
Colarulli, formerly head of legislative affairs at the USPTO, now leads LESI, fostering global dialogues on IP management and licensing. She discusses the role of government in facilitating innovation and the importance of patents for a competitive economy. The conversation explores the controversial 'patent tax' proposal and its potential negative impacts on the industry and patent owners. Despite the challenges, Colarulli remains optimistic about the patent system's potential and emphasizes the need for certainty and predictability in IP assets. LESI's 2026 annual meeting is scheduled for April 26-29 in Dublin, Ireland.
Squires' appointment signals a new era for the USPTO, with a focus on addressing backlogs, enhancing patent quality, and combating abusive practices. Colarulli's insights highlight the need for collaboration, adaptation, and foresight in shaping a vibrant future for innovation. As the patent landscape evolves, the role of government and industry stakeholders in facilitating innovation becomes increasingly crucial.
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