USPTO Proposes New IPR Rules; Director to Handle Institution Decisions

On October 16, 2025, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) (formally published on October 17) relating to inter partes review (IPR) proceedings under the America Invents Act (AIA) conducted by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). The proposed rules apply to IPRs, not post-grant reviews (PGRs). The Office also announced the withdrawal of an earlier April 19, 2024 NPRM related to the PTAB’s exercise of discretion in instituting IPRs and PGRs….
By: Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C.