Congrats to Newly Appointed INTA Committee Members
Congratulations to Carlyn Burton, Motasem Abu Ghazaleh and Dionne Heard on being appointed to serve on INTA committees for the 2026–2027 term.
USPTO Issues New Guidance on AI-Assisted Inventorship, Rescinding Its 2024 Guidance
On November 28, 2025, USPTO Director John Squires issued new guidance on AI-assisted inventorship and explicitly rescinded the February 13, 2024, guidance that had been issued by his predecessor Director Vidal. At issue is what human activity rises to the level of inventorship when a human uses an AI tool in a manner that results in an invention.
Is Writing Your Own Dictionary Dangerous? Yes.
While a patent practitioner's work may not qualify for hazard pay, significant responsibilities include imagining how a patent may be interpreted in the future and avoiding potential negative consequences arising from the words the practitioner used to describe an invention. A powerful tool in a patent professional's drafting toolbox is the ability to assign a particular definition to any term used in a patent – to act as a "lexicographer." As a lexicographer, a patent drafter has the ability to simply restate the common meaning of a term for clarity or to assign an alternate – such as an expanded or narrowed – meaning to the term. The ability to act as a lexicographer is especially useful when the drafter wishes to use a term differently than the term's "ordinary and plain meaning," but can have unintended consequences when careful attention is not given to the specific use of terminology throughout a patent specification.
"Doing the Right Thing: Ethical Responsibilities in IP Practice"
All registered patent attorneys and patent agents (registered practitioners), as well as attorneys practicing in trademark and other non-patent law matters before the USPTO, are bound by the ethical standards set forth in USPTO Rules of Professional Conduct, 37 C.F.R. § 11.101. The key ethical rules include some fundamental basics such as: 1.) Do not lie, cheat, or steal. 2.) Do not take on work you do not feel that you are competent to perform. 3.) Avoid conflicts of interest in which a new client is opposed to a current or former client.
Insights Into the AIPLA 2025 Annual Meeting
This year, the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) hosted its Annual Meeting in downtown Washington, D.C. Though each session of the Meeting was devoted to a different substantive topic, nearly every session had one thing in common: a discussion about how artificial intelligence (AI) is affecting that area of intellectual property (IP) practice. AI-related discussions included "hot topics" in AI, AI-assisted inventorship, what copyright-friendly jurisdictions are best suited for training artificial intelligence models using copyrighted material, how to prosecute AI-related inventions when rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 101, among a long list of other topics relating to AI.
CNIPA Releases Amendments to Patent Examination Guidelines Effective January 1, 2026
The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) recently released amended Patent Examination Guidelines that will take effect on January 1, 2026. The amendments cover a wide range of topics, including new requirements for inventor identity, ethical standards for inventions involving artificial intelligence (AI), standards for disclosure and inventiveness of algorithm or data-related inventions, examination of inventions involving bitstreams, patent protection scope for plant varieties and biological breeding, and improvements to invalidation procedures.
OBWB is a 2026 Best Law Firm
With the 16th edition of Best Law Firms® just published, we are pleased to announce OBWB's inclusion on the 2026 Best Law Firm list. Earning this distinction underscores our ongoing dedication to excellence in intellectual property law and to delivering innovative, strategic solutions across our global offices.
OBWB Announces IPTP 2026
OBWB is pleased to announce a (free) course featuring a series of expert-led presentations on key topics in intellectual property law. The IPTP is a three-phase course designed and delivered by patent professionals with 25+ years of industry experience (*limited availability*).
Impact of a Million
OBWB was delighted to participate as lead sponsor for Compudopt's 'Impact of a Million' celebration luncheon. It's truly remarkable to reflect on what has been achieved in a relatively short time period. This significant milestone is a reminder of what's possible when vision and collaboration come together with purpose.
OBWB Participates in Hangzhou Seminar
OBWB Partner Jonathan Osha will be the keynote speaker at upcoming IP event in Hangzhou, China. The seminar "Hot Issues in Overseas Patent Application and Protection for Chinese Enterprises" promises to deliver cutting-edge insights into the most pressing challenges and opportunities in global IP protection. Led by leading patent attorneys and industry specialists, this series of disccusions will unpack the latest trends, case studies, and best practices shaping international patent strategy.
