As the Department of Commerce explores options to adjust patent fees, these changes will have important implications for the semiconductor industry, where thousands of patents are filed each year to protect groundbreaking technologies. At SEMI, we understand the complexity of getting this right for our member companies. The fee proposal is not only about rates, but also about how fees are structured, applied across different types of filers, and administered in practice. Designing a system that is fair and workable is a significant challenge and one that requires close collaboration between government and industry.
The SEMI Global Advocacy team is consistently engaged with the Trump Administration and Congress as a resource. We want to ensure the unique needs of the semiconductor sector are understood and that any adjustments to the fee schedule strengthen U.S. innovation without creating unintended barriers. By working together, SEMI members with U.S. operations can help shape an approach that supports the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's mission and U.S. competitiveness.
Next Steps: SEMI will continue to provide technical insight from across our membership as this process develops and looks forward to partnering with policymakers. We will also share updates as information on new patent fees become available beyond the initial reporting by the Wall Street Journal and other news outlets.
Visit SEMI Global Advocacy to learn more about public policy efforts and developments as well as how your company or organization can get involved.
Scarlett Bickerton, Manager, Federal & State Affairs at SEMI.
