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DOD Revises IP Commercial Item Rules

Client Alert | less than 1 min read | 09.21.11

On September 20, 2011, DOD issued a final rule amending DFARS Part 227 and the associated clauses to eliminate the presumption of development at private expense for commercial items (other than commercially available off-the-shelf items) for major systems or subsystems. However, the implementation of this rule introduces great uncertainty as to the government’s rights to commercial item technical data and commercial computer software when there has been even a minimal government investment, particularly as it relates to the applicability of commercial licenses and marking requirements.


Insights

Client Alert | 8 min read | 12.11.25

Director Squires Revamps the Workings of the U.S. Patent Office

In March 2025, President Trump nominated John A. Squires for the positions of Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). After being approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee by a vote of 20-2, Squires was confirmed by the Senate on September 17, 2025, by a vote of 51-47 after anti-filibuster measures were invoked. During and after the confirmation process, Squires emphasized several goals for the USPTO during his time as Director. Such goals included:...