Foreign state IP challenges curbed as USPTO continues security push
By Melissa Ritti ( March 19, 2026, 21:10 GMT | Comment) -- A broad policy shift came into sharper focus this week as the US Patent and Trademark Office moved to limit foreign participation at both ends of the patent system — limiting access to administrative challenges while tightening requirements for foreign applicants and patent owners.A foreign government, or an entity effectively controlled by one, is not a “person” within the meaning of the America Invents Act (AIA) and, as such, cannot partake in patent challenges under the statute....
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