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Myth-Busting is Still Alive: FAR Council Encourages Industry/Government Communications

Client Alert | 1 min read | 12.02.16

To implement section 887 of the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, the FAR Council, on November 29, proposed a rule to amend FAR 1.102-2 by adding language to clarify that the government may, and is encouraged to, communicate with industry as part of market research, if such exchanges comport with existing law and regulations and do not further an unfair competitive advantage. Continuing the conversation that the 2011 and 2012 Office of Federal Procurement Policy Myth-Busting memoranda commenced, the Council also requested suggestions about ways to “further enhance open communication between industry and the Federal acquisition community[,]” as well as information responding to specific questions – responses to which are due on or before January 30, 2017 (the same due date for submitting comments on the proposed rule).

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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:...