Patent backlog now
Brachmann 24. Steve Brachmann Jan 10 2024. IPWatchDog “Asian Tech Dominance, Examination Backlogs Highlight IFI CLAIMS’ Annual Patent Reports” https://ipwatchdog.com/2024/01/10/asian-tech-dominance-examination-backlogs-highlight-ifi-claims-annual-patent-reports/id=171794/ ///MSU///QLC///
While many companies saw greater totals of patent grants during 2023, the overall grant rate for U.S. patents declined by 3.4%, returning to pre-pandemic issuance levels. That decline may be related to longer patent pendencies at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), according to IFI CLAIMS chief executive Ronald Kratz. “The backlog for patent applications at the USPTO has been growing over the last couple of years,” Kratz stated in a press release. “They now have more than 750,000 unexamined applications, which could explain why grants are down.” More than 418,000 patent applications were filed during 2023, an all-time record at the USPTO, which Kratz said was a reflection of positive innovation activity in the United States.