U.S. Patent and Trademark Office director David Kappos made his way to Capitol Hill this week to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee in the first oversight hearing for the America Invents Act. Kappos reported consistent compliance with the legislation's prescribed implementation framework and elaborated on future strategies for bringing harmony to the international patent system.

"We have implemented seven provisions of the AIA - all within the time frames prescribed by the act - and we are working toward implementation of 13 additional provisions and two programs," Kappos wrote in a prepared statement. "We are pleased that stakeholders have commented favorably on our transparent implementation process and the extent of our outreach."

Kappos noted that the Track One prioritized examination program, one of the AIA's most notable components, has facilitated the award of more than 200 patents since its inception. The USPTO is also on course to improve efficiency at a broader level with the first of its satellite offices set to open in Detroit next month.

On a more conceptual note, Kappos said he is optimistic that AIA-related moves are bringing the prospect of a "harmonized" international patent system into view. With the U.S. revitalizing its intellectual property statutes and strategies at such a fundamental level, Kappos said he hopes to reignite crucial discussions that have recently stalled within the global community.