SBA Proposes Sweeping Expansion of the Mentor-Protégé Program
Client Alert | 1 min read | 02.13.15
On February 5, 2015, the SBA issued a proposed rule implementing portions of FY 2013 NDAA regarding the establishment of a universal mentor-protégé program available to all small businesses (instead of just certain SBA-approved 8(a) contractors under the current program) that would allow, among other benefits, approved mentor-protégés to compete as a joint venture for set-aside awards for which the protégé would otherwise be eligible. The SBA is seeking comments (due by April 6, 2015) on a number of aspects of this proposed rule, including whether the SBA should require all joint ventures in this program to be formed as separate legal entities and whether there should be a maximum of two mentors per protégé.
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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:
Client Alert | 8 min read | 12.10.25
Creativity You Can Use: CJEU Clarifies Copyright for Applied Art
Client Alert | 4 min read | 12.10.25
Federal Court Strikes Down Interior Order Suspending Wind Energy Development
Client Alert | 14 min read | 12.10.25
SBA Office of General Counsel Audit of Participants in the 8(a) Program and Beyond
