The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is seeking information about instances where patent or trademark holders experience unauthorized use of their rights by state entities, particularly without adequate state law remedies. This is part of a study prompted by Senators Thom Tillis and Patrick Leahy, focusing on whether such violations are intentional or reckless. The USPTO is asking for public comments on these issues, requesting responses to specific questions by February 22, 2021. The agency aims to gather insights that will help them understand the extent of these challenges and is open to anonymous contributions.
Simple Explanation
The USPTO wants to know if kids or adults have had their toys or ideas borrowed by some states without asking, or if states are being mean or careless when they do it. They are asking people to say what they think about this, but some people find it tricky to share their thoughts.