NAPP Webinar: Patent Professional Harmonization

Description

This webinar will explore NAPP’s ongoing Patent Practitioner Harmonization initiative, led by NAPP President Dan Smith. The session will address the longstanding conflict between the USPTO Rules of Professional Conduct and state-level ethics rules, which has hindered the full recognition and integration of Patent Agents within the U.S. patent system. Attendees will learn how this misalignment drives up costs for inventors and companies, limits professional opportunities for practitioners, and places the U.S. at a competitive disadvantage compared to international systems where patent agents have broader roles. Dan will outline the key issues, their impact on law firms, patent holders, and the broader innovation ecosystem, and discuss potential pathways toward alignment and reform. NAPP members will benefit from understanding the stakes of this harmonization effort, the opportunities for professional growth it represents, and how their engagement can help shape the future of the U.S. patent profession.

Speaker Name: Dan Smith

Dan is a Patent and Licensing Strategist with more than 17 years of experience managing global patent portfolios, licensing negotiations, and Standard Essential Patent strategies. He has served clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies and startups to government agencies and is the named inventor on 19 U.S. and international patents. Dan is the current President of the National Association of Patent Practitioners (NAPP) and chairs its Advocacy Committee, where he spearheaded the ongoing Patent Practitioner Harmonization initiative. His career includes leadership roles at Lenovo/Motorola, CableLabs, and his own consultancy, The Patent Smith, LLC. A recognized speaker and thought leader, Dan frequently presents on SEPs, IP policy, AI in law, and innovation strategy.