Trial Section Management Roles Formalized
Yesterday, the USPTO announced the appointments of Judge Scott Boalick to the position of Vice Chief Administrative Patent Judge and Adam Ramsey to the position of Board Executive.
Judge Boalick had been acting Vice Chief for the past year, this appointment simply formalizes that role. As Board Executive, Mr. Ramsey will be responsible for oversight of PTAB administration, information technology, hearings operations, data analysis, and the Office of the Chief Clerk. As the trial section grows, management of the administrative effort is critical.
Public Comments
As pointed out last week, although the date for comments on the pending RFC has been moved, some early submissions are posted. (here). So far, the submissions range from bar associations arguing to outlaw the use of BRI altogether, to self-serving arguments of those hoping to lobby the Board on a narrow issue they are facing in a pending proceeding. Let’s hope for more responsive submissions in the weeks ahead.