Squires and Stewart Hear Panelist Views on Desired PTAB Changes

USPTO held third PTAB Listening Session on Patent Trial and Appeal Board administration and reform. Panelists including attorneys from O'Melveny & Myers, Baker Hostetler, HP counsel, and retired CAFC Chief Judge Paul Michel discussed needed changes for clarity and consistency. Key issues included evidence standards, multiple petition challenges, Director discretion in instituting cases, and procedural improvements. Novartis cited 2017 CAFC case Novartis v. Noven Pharmaceuticals as example of PTAB shortcomings. Michel advocated for rules over guidance memos and reduced expert testimony reliance.