John Squires Nominated as Next Director of USPTO
President Donald Trump has nominated John Squires as the next Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The nomination, announced on March 10, 2025, has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration. If confirmed, Squires will succeed Kathy Vidal, who served as the USPTO Director during the Biden Administration.
John Squires Background
John Squires is currently the Chair of the Emerging Companies and IP practice at Dilworth Paxson LLP, a position he has held since 2017. He has a background in both patent litigation and prosecution, with a focus on FinTech and risk management. His career began at Morgan & Finnegan in 1992, where he practiced both patent prosecution and litigation. He later moved to Clifford Chance LLP, representing clients in the chemical, biotech, pharma, technology, and manufacturing sectors. Squires also served as Chief IP Counsel at Goldman Sachs from 2000 to 2009, where he founded the bank’s IP practice.
Implications for Strong Patent Rights
Squires’ nomination is seen by many as a positive development for those advocating for strong patent rights. He has been described as relatively pro-patent, and his experience in both the private sector and law firms positions him well to understand modern IP challenges. However, his past commentary on patent trolls has been negative, which may raise concerns among some stakeholders. Overall, his nomination is expected to bring a balanced approach to patent eligibility, post-grant proceedings, and the growing patent application backlog.
Views on Patent Eligibility (Section 101) and Software Patents
John Squires has expressed views on patent eligibility under Section 101, advocating for broader standards that would encompass a wider range of inventions, particularly those related to finance and banking. He co-authored an amicus brief in the Bilski v. Kappos case, which argued for more inclusive patent eligibility criteria. Squires believes that expanding patent eligibility through legislation, especially for software and FinTech innovations, is crucial for fostering innovation and protecting intellectual property. His stance on software patents is similarly supportive, recognizing the importance of protecting software-related inventions to encourage technological advancements.
Challenges Ahead
One of the most significant challenges Squires will face as the new Director of the USPTO is addressing the large backlog of unexamined patent applications. The backlog has been a persistent issue, with delays in patent examination hindering innovation and market entry strategies for many companies. The new USPTO leadership is focused on clearing the backlog, but it remains a major challenge. Squires will need to implement strategic improvements to streamline patent processes and enhance collaboration between the USPTO and the private sector. The transition to Squires’ leadership is expected to bring a shift towards more technology-focused IP policies, potentially leading to updates in patent examination guidelines to better accommodate innovations in various IP areas.
Suiter Swantz IP extends its congratulations to John Squires on his nomination as the next Director of the USPTO. We look forward to seeing the positive changes and advancements that will come from his leadership.