COVID-19: patent procurement and licensing

Public health officials have said that we can expect the coronavirus pandemic to last for months—and the underlying virus will likely be with us for the long term. Meanwhile, the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has included a flurry of innovation.

Many researchers have turned their efforts to providing innovative strategies to detect, mitigate, or cure COVID-19. Hundreds of journal articles are now being published concerning SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, every week.

While little information is currently available on the exact extent of COVID-19-related patents, there is reportedly a corresponding uptick in such patent applications.

Remote working

Although the coronavirus pandemic has led to numerous public health measures which have slowed many businesses and government services in the economy, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has operated remote-work procedures for many of its examiners for years, so—at least for now—there’s no indication that the closure of the physical USPTO offices will adversely impact the rate of examination.

The office has waived any remaining requirements it had for original handwritten, ink signatures and has announced it will waive petition fees in certain situations, amid the coronavirus pandemic. However, the USPTO has not yet extended any deadlines.