In September 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed John A. Squires as the new Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). He steps into the role at a time when patent eligibility, artificial intelligence, and fraudulent trademark filings are hot issues for innovators and entrepreneurs.
For startups, leadership changes at the USPTO can directly affect how quickly applications move, how intellectual property is protected, and how disputes are resolved. Here’s what we know so far — and what it might mean for business owners and founders.
