The view from abroad: Korean companies have “urgent need” to revise U.S. strategies in face of evolving USPTO policy on inter partes reviews

Context: Since the second Trump administration took power in the U.S. in early 2025, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has gradually adopted a strict policy agenda around Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) proceedings. In particular, inter partes reviews (IPRs)—which have become a popular way for defendants in infringement litigation to challenge plaintiffs’ patents—have substantially dropped in number under Acting (now Deputy) USPTO Director Coke Morgan Stewart and her successor, incumbent USPTO Director John Squires (May 4, 2026 ip fray article).