# USPTO Reports Faster Patent Processing

USPTO Director John A. Squires told the Senate Subcommittee on Intellectual Property that the agency is issuing more patent applications than it receives, has reduced its backlog to a 10-year low, and has improved processing speed and quality. He also described expanded use of AI tools. The testimony announced no contract, solicitation, or vendor opportunity; the USPTO’s fee-setting authority is extended through December 11, 2026, leaving congressional action on that authority relevant to the agency’s operating context.

- There is no immediate bid opportunity in this announcement. Contractors can use the testimony as context for USPTO operational priorities and look for future procurement notices related to the agency’s work.
- AI and process-improvement providers may find the agency’s expanded use of AI relevant to future market research, but the testimony does not identify a vendor, requirement, or planned acquisition.
- The fee-setting authority extension runs through December 11, 2026; procurement professionals should distinguish this agency authority issue from a solicitation or contractor compliance deadline.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence, Policy
**Published:** September 30, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
- U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Intellectual Property
- U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC)

### Sources
- [Statement by Director Squires before the United States Senate Subcommittee on Intellectual Property Committee on the Judiciary | USPTO](https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/news-updates/statement-director-squires-united-states-senate-subcommittee-intellectual-0) - Uspto