Exclusive: USPTO Union Head Hopeful & Working Well with Leadership

Kathy Duda is the President of The Patent Office Professional Association (POPA), which is the union representing USPTO patent examiners. On this episode, she discusses why she remains hopeful amidst current uncertainty around new return to office policies.In the episode, she also discusses:*Positive collaboration with Acting Director Coke Morgan StewartGetting first involved with POPA after it helped her during her pregnancyNegotiating the first collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the USPTO in 40 yearsWhy she’s not getting a whole lot of sleep recentlyExaminers waiting for finality regarding decisions about being able to continue to work remotelyRecord backlog reached at the USPTO during last administration & work to bring it downImpact of AI & what examination might look like in 30 yearsDisclaimer This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.voiceofip.com