Judicial Advocacy
AIPLA files amicus briefs in cases that are important to its members, following a long tradition of judicial advocacy. Those briefs are accessible by clicking the relevant year of the case in the navigation column on the left side of this page.
The AIPLA Amicus Committee receives many requests from parties in litigation for the Association's amicus support, and the Committee considers and recommends to the Board of Directors the best cases for AIPLA to join and urge its positions on the cutting-edge issues of the law. Although AIPLA welcomes the views of the parties to the dispute, the AIPLA amicus positions are the product of independent consideration by the Committee and the Board of Directors, based on the law and their understanding of policy and legal questions in dispute.
Interested in Requesting AIPLA Consideration for Amicus Support?
For more information on how to request AIPLA's consideration for amicus support and to learn more about the process, please click HERE.
Learn More About the Amicus Committee Leadership
For information about the Amicus Committee and it's current leadership, please click HERE.
Click the tabs below to explore some of AIPLA's judicial advocacy:
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Judicial Advocacy Archives
To see amicus briefs filed by AIPLA from previous years, please click here
Recent Advocacy
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AIPLA and IPO Issue Joint Letter to Congress Urging Action to Reduce Patent Backlog
February 4, 2025
In a joint letter, AIPLA and IPO urged Congress to ensure the USPTO has the resources and flexibility needed to address its patent application backlog, which has reached 826,000. The letter notes that timely patent examination is essential to US innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness, yet recent executive actions—such as a hiring freeze, return-to-office mandates, and employee buyouts—may impact the USPTO’s operations. Unlike other agencies, the USPTO is funded by user fees, not taxpayer dollars, and must retain resources to process applications efficiently. Restrictive policies could slow innovation, weaken IP protection, and harm US economic leadership. Secretary of Commerce nominee Howard Lutnick has acknowledged the urgency of reducing delays, and we support efforts to strengthen the USPTO’s capacity. AIPLA and IPO welcome the opportunity to work with Congress on legislative and administrative solutions that support American inventors and businesses. -
AIPLA Comments to Trump Transition Team on IP Priorities
January 6, 2025
Arlington, VA. December 23, 2024 – The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted a letter of recommendation on IP priorities for the Trump Transition Team emphasizing the critical role of IP in driving innovation and economic growth. -
AIPLA Files Amicus Brief in EcoFactor, Inc. v. Google LLC
December 2, 2024
Arlington, VA. November 26, 2024 – The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) filed an amicus brief in EcoFactor, Inc. v. Google LLC, in support of neither party. -
Setting and Adjusting Patent & Trademark Fees During Fiscal Year 2025 for the USPTO
November 21, 2024
On November 18, 2024, the US Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) announced a final rule via the Federal Register adjusting the trademark fees. A subsequent notice regarding patent fees was issued in the Federal Register on November 20, 2024. -
AIPLA Files Amicus Brief to the Enlarged Board of Appeal of the European Patent Office
November 21, 2024
Arlington, VA. November 14, 2024 – The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) filed an amicus brief to the Enlarged Board of Appeal of the European Patent Office (EPO), offering its perspective on referral G1/24 about claim interpretation.
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AIPLA Files Brief in Support of None of the Parties in Abitron Austria GmbH v. Hetronic International, Inc.
January 1, 2023
Arlington, VA. January 1, 2023 - The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) filed a merits-stage amicus curiae brief in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Abitron Austria GmbH et al. v. Hetronic Int’l Inc., Case. No. 21-1043. -
AIPLA Comments on the Draft Amendment of the Anti-Unfair Competition Law of the People's Republic of China
December 22, 2022
Arlington, VA. December 22, 2022 - The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted comments to China’s State Administration of Market Regulation on the Draft Amendment of the Anti-Unfair Competition Law of the People's Republic of China.
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AIPLA Comments on the Draft Revised Chinese Patent Examination Guidelines
December 19, 2022
Arlington, VA. December 19, 2022 - The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted comments to the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) on the Draft Revised Chinese Patent Examination Guidelines.
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AIPLA Comments on USPTO’s Diversion Program
November 10, 2022
Arlington, VA. November 7, 2022 - The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted comments to the United States Patent and Trademark Office on the Office of Enrollment and Discipline’s (OED) Diversion Pilot Program. -
AIPLA Comments to USPTO on Subject Matter Guidance
October 21, 2022
Arlington, VA. October 21, 2022 - The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted comments to the United States Patent and Trademark Office on the Office’s guidance on patent subject matter eligibility under Section 101 of the Patent Act.