As the administration continues its efforts to restore the patent system, an important aspect is often overlooked amidst discussions on discretionary denials, injunctive relief, and patent fees.
Patent quality is the single issue that affects all stakeholders… By tackling quality, the USPTO can improve the patent system without picking winners and losers.
The conversation about restoring injunctive relief to strengthen the patent system is incomplete without addressing patent quality. Failing to do so may lead to a resurgence of poor-quality patents being used to extort money from companies, reminiscent of the era before the America Invents Act (AIA).
Author's summary: Patent quality is crucial for a balanced reform debate.