Interagency Patent Coordination and Improvement Act of 2025
Interagency Patent Coordination and Improvement Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Summary: Interagency Patent Coordination and Improvement Act of 2025 **What It Would Do:** This bill would create a task force to improve communication between the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The two agencies would share information about their processes, decisions, and new approvals related to drug patents and biological products.
The bill would also establish a formal system where the USPTO can request patent-related information from the FDA to help examine drug patent applications, and the FDA can provide that information more efficiently. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects pharmaceutical companies seeking patents and FDA drug approvals, as well as the two federal agencies involved. Indirectly, it may benefit patients by potentially streamlining the patent and drug approval process. The bill is sponsored by Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL). **Current Status:** The bill (S 1097) was introduced in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Interagency Patent Coordination and Improvement Act of 2025This bill establishes the Interagency Task Force on Patents to support coordination and communication between the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on activities relating to patents for human drugs and biological products.The task force's duties shall include sharing information about (1) the processes of each agency, including how each agency evaluates applications (e.g., patent applications at the USPTO and new drug applications at the FDA); and (2) new approvals of patents, human drugs, biological products, and new technologies. The task force must also establish a process that requires (1) the USPTO to request from the FDA information relating to certain patent applications to help patent examiners carry out their duties, (2) the FDA to provide such information to the USPTO, and (3) the USPTO to assist the FDA in its ministerial role of listing patents.
Latest Action
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 41.