[Patentpractice] Trump tries to abolish PTO union?
Timothy Snowden
tdsnowden at outlook.com
Wed Sep 3 20:55:05 UTC 2025
I have personally mentored multiple junior (including new associates)
all over the US fully remotely (video). If anything, it was easier than
in-person. You could cut through a lot of the awkwardness of physical
presence while still being attentive to facial reactions, posture, etc.
If anything, it actually opened up more mentoring possibilities because
they were on their own turf instead of 'on my turf', and I could 'visit
them' (call them) without invading their space.
I find this beneficial with Examiners as well - I am often able to
connect with them personally on a video interview because of small
little personal touches because they are working remotely - office
touches, views through their window, family touches, etc.
Of course, it's not in person, but I find the shift to remote work
holistically an improvement: God created the family as the fundamental
building block of society. Business/work is an extension of that.
Returning work back to the home as the focal point is an improvement.
Experientially, the most productive people I know are most productive at
home surrounded by their family ... once they've adjusted to focusing in
that environment -- just like we all have had to go through process of
focusing in the environment of all the distractions of an office (they
are legion).
And, to Ronni's point, the way this whole thing - regardless of its
merit - has been carried out has been unjust, unfair, and totally
disrespectful to all involved, including the 'American people'. Patrick
Henry's reaction to Article II of the Constitution was scoffed at ...
his view has been alarmingly born out several times. And I think I would
be described by most people as a staunch political conservative.
On 8/29/2025 1:53 PM, Richard Straussman via Patentpractice wrote:
> I don't dispute any of those facts/possibilities. But they also don't
> refute my point about the ultimate benefit to the public of in person
> versus remote work derived from in person mentoring as a general
> matter. Also, it is certainly possible that remote work has been one
> (albeit only one) contributing factor to the negative trajectory in
> examination quality over the past 20 years?
>
> *Richard Straussman**
> * *Senior Counsel*
> * Registered Patent Attorney
> * Member NY, NJ & CT Bars
> *. . . . . . . . . . . . . .*
> *Weitzman Law Offices, LLC*
> *Intellectual Property Law*
> 425 Eagle Rock Avenue, Suite 401
> Roseland, NJ 07068
> *direct line* 973.403.9943
> *main* 973.403.9940
> *fax*973.403.9944
> *e-mail*rstraussman at weitzmanip.com
>
> *http://www.weitzmanip.com
> *
>
>
>
> On 8/29/2025 2:45 PM, Ronni Jillions wrote:
>>
>> Remote work has been the norm at least since 1995. Examiners have
>> moved their homes in reliance on the remote working that was
>> permitted. This will no doubt be a hardship for many and they will
>> leave – thus reducing the number of experienced examiners. Not to
>> speak of the cost of the office space that will be needed to house
>> all the examiners.
>>
>> *Ms. Ronni S. Jillions*
>>
>> /Admitted to practice in Washington DC and /
>>
>> /before the United States Patent and Trademark Office /
>>
>> Partner
>>
>> _____________________________________________
>>
>> *FisherBroyles, LLP*
>>
>> direct: +1.202.628.5217
>>
>> cell: +1.703.856.2226
>>
>> _ronni.jillions at fisherbroyles.com
>> <mailto:ronni.jillions at fisherbroyles.com>_
>>
>> www.fisherbroyles.com <http://www.fisherbroyles.com/>__
>>
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>> have received this communication in error, please notify us
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>>
>> *From:*Richard Straussman <rstraussman at weitzmanip.com>
>> *Sent:* Friday, August 29, 2025 2:43 PM
>> *To:* Ronni Jillions <Ronni.Jillions at FisherBroyles.com>; For patent
>> practitioners. This is not for laypersons to seek legal advice.
>> <patentpractice at oppedahl-lists.com>
>> *Cc:* Scott C. Sample <ssample at cm.law>
>> *Subject:* Re: [Patentpractice] Trump tries to abolish PTO union?
>>
>> There are a lot of benefits to "in person" work requirements,
>> particularly for relatively new personnel who can be more effectively
>> mentored by more senior people in person, as most good mentoring is
>> informal.
>>
>> *Richard Straussman**
>> **Senior Counsel**
>> **Registered Patent Attorney**
>> *Member NY, NJ & CT Bars
>> *. . . . . . . . . . . . . .*
>> *Weitzman Law Offices, LLC*
>> *Intellectual Property Law*
>> 425 Eagle Rock Avenue, Suite 401
>> Roseland, NJ 07068
>> *direct line*973.403.9943
>> *main*973.403.9940
>> *fax*973.403.9944
>> *e-mail*rstraussman at weitzmanip.com
>>
>> *_http://www.weitzmanip.com
>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.weitzmanip.com_&d=DwMDaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=5yorqlAgQCjy70Bhtwc7O92AgXg2Hoo2uu3SnI8N-6adpnDDvaqkuM5mXjRy2qe3&m=Yzea7g1kpNdHpabyWAbAPVAU4OR956GzJBfBZHNdSys3wtXjRE5dO13k3Fp5MkFb&s=J_d32mLyVz2wl5l3wh1931ZCI11MXmrq98u-7UHtVqc&e=>_**_
>> _*
>>
>>
>> On 8/29/2025 2:39 PM, Ronni Jillions wrote:
>>
>> One possibility is that the agreement specifically permits
>> examiners to work remotely. If the agreement is nullified, the
>> PTO can then require examiners to return to the office. A move
>> that strikes me as ridiculous if for no other reason that even
>> when the USPTO in Alexandria opened in 1995, there were not
>> enough offices for all the examiners.
>>
>> *Ms. Ronni S. Jillions*
>>
>> /Admitted to practice in Washington DC and /
>>
>> /before the United States Patent and Trademark Office /
>>
>> Partner
>>
>> _____________________________________________
>>
>> *FisherBroyles, LLP*
>>
>> direct: +1.202.628.5217
>>
>> cell: +1.703.856.2226
>>
>> _ronni.jillions at fisherbroyles.com
>> <mailto:ronni.jillions at fisherbroyles.com>_
>>
>> www.fisherbroyles.com <http://www.fisherbroyles.com/>
>>
>> The information contained in this e-mail message is only for the
>> personal and confidential use of the intended recipient(s). If
>> you have received this communication in error, please notify us
>> immediately by e-mail, and delete the original message.
>>
>> We will never use email to notify you of a change to any bank
>> account details we have already provided to you. If you receive
>> any email purporting to come from this firm which seeks to do
>> this, then please contact us immediately by telephone and do not
>> act on it or reply to it. We cannot accept responsibility for
>> any loss if you do not follow these instructions.
>>
>> *From:*Patentpractice <patentpractice-bounces at oppedahl-lists.com>
>> <mailto:patentpractice-bounces at oppedahl-lists.com> *On Behalf Of
>> *Scott C. Sample via Patentpractice
>> *Sent:* Friday, August 29, 2025 2:34 PM
>> *To:* Richard Straussman <rstraussman at weitzmanip.com>
>> <mailto:rstraussman at weitzmanip.com>; For patent practitioners.
>> This is not for laypersons to seek legal advice.
>> <patentpractice at oppedahl-lists.com>
>> <mailto:patentpractice at oppedahl-lists.com>
>> *Cc:* Scott C. Sample <ssample at cm.law> <mailto:ssample at cm.law>
>> *Subject:* Re: [Patentpractice] Trump tries to abolish PTO union?
>>
>> What’s the problem ostensibly being addressed by the EO?
>>
>> *Scott C. Sample*
>>
>>
>>
>> |
>>
>>
>>
>> Partner
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.cm.law_&d=DwMGaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=5yorqlAgQCjy70Bhtwc7O92AgXg2Hoo2uu3SnI8N-6adpnDDvaqkuM5mXjRy2qe3&m=BxHMr-yhm7UIwlkPEsFGLV9qBZTJ4NkvnysyOtQzqVYOSBuQ--Ivect997kU5a9Y&s=-cCGie1F10r1_FM4642ta7ePntTvX9X9ctqGt6gfpkw&e=>
>>
>> Direct:
>>
>>
>>
>> 469-444-1488 <tel:469-444-1488>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Email:
>>
>>
>>
>> ssample at cm.law <mailto:ssample at cm.law>
>>
>> */Please note: Culhane Meadows is now CM Law
>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.cm.law_cm-2Dlaw-2Dformerly-2Dculhane-2Dmeadows-2Dlaunches-2Dsecond-2Ddecade-2Dwith-2Dfresh-2Dname-2Dand-2Dmodern-2Dbrand_&d=DwMGaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=5yorqlAgQCjy70Bhtwc7O92AgXg2Hoo2uu3SnI8N-6adpnDDvaqkuM5mXjRy2qe3&m=BxHMr-yhm7UIwlkPEsFGLV9qBZTJ4NkvnysyOtQzqVYOSBuQ--Ivect997kU5a9Y&s=jbaLGE9ANCMdJDWAQBgeW8Kf21MADkfP0mq7dasF09Q&e=>/*
>>
>>
>> *From:*Richard Straussman <rstraussman at weitzmanip.com>
>> *Sent:* Friday, August 29, 2025 1:30 PM
>> *To:* Scott C. Sample <ssample at cm.law>; For patent practitioners.
>> This is not for laypersons to seek legal advice.
>> <patentpractice at oppedahl-lists.com>
>> *Subject:* Re: [Patentpractice] Trump tries to abolish PTO union?
>>
>> EXTERNAL EMAIL
>>
>> It goes beyond striking: "All Government employees should
>> realize that the process of collective bargaining, as usually
>> understood, cannot be transplanted into the public service. It
>> has its distinct and insurmountable limitations when applied to
>> public personnel management. The very nature and purposes of
>> Government make it impossible for administrative officials to
>> represent fully or to bind the employer in mutual discussions
>> with Government employee organizations. The employer is the whole
>> people, who speak by means of laws enacted by their
>> representatives in Congress. Accordingly, administrative
>> officials and employees alike are governed and guided, and in
>> many instances restricted, by laws which establish policies,
>> procedures, or rules in personnel matters."
>>
>> *Richard Straussman**
>> **Senior Counsel**
>> **Registered Patent Attorney**
>> *Member NY, NJ & CT Bars
>> *. . . . . . . . . . . . . .*
>> *Weitzman Law Offices, LLC*
>> *Intellectual Property Law*
>> 425 Eagle Rock Avenue, Suite 401
>> Roseland, NJ 07068
>> *direct line*973.403.9943
>> *main*973.403.9940
>> *fax*973.403.9944
>> *e-mail*rstraussman at weitzmanip.com
>>
>> *_http://www.weitzmanip.com
>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.weitzmanip.com_&d=DwMGaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=5yorqlAgQCjy70Bhtwc7O92AgXg2Hoo2uu3SnI8N-6adpnDDvaqkuM5mXjRy2qe3&m=BxHMr-yhm7UIwlkPEsFGLV9qBZTJ4NkvnysyOtQzqVYOSBuQ--Ivect997kU5a9Y&s=YIYEAn9J2QvyuZahZLBUWhLW7_TD71QPsRZsek8GKJ0&e=>_**_
>> _*
>>
>>
>> On 8/29/2025 2:23 PM, Scott C. Sample wrote:
>>
>> See 5 U.S. Code § 7311:
>>
>> An individual may not accept or hold a position in the
>> Government of the United States or the government of the
>> District of Columbia if he—
>>
>> (1) advocates the overthrow of our constitutional form of
>> government;
>>
>> (2) is a member of an organization that he knows advocates
>> the overthrow of our constitutional form of government;
>>
>> *(3) participates in a strike, or asserts the right to
>> strike, against the Government of the United States or the
>> government of the District of Columbia*; or
>>
>> (4) is a member of an organization of employees of the
>> Government of the United States or of individuals employed by
>> the government of the District of Columbia that he knows
>> asserts the right to strike against the Government of the
>> United States or the government of the District of Columbia.
>>
>> *Scott C. Sample*
>>
>>
>>
>> |
>>
>>
>>
>> Partner
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.cm.law_&d=DwMGaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=5yorqlAgQCjy70Bhtwc7O92AgXg2Hoo2uu3SnI8N-6adpnDDvaqkuM5mXjRy2qe3&m=BxHMr-yhm7UIwlkPEsFGLV9qBZTJ4NkvnysyOtQzqVYOSBuQ--Ivect997kU5a9Y&s=-cCGie1F10r1_FM4642ta7ePntTvX9X9ctqGt6gfpkw&e=>
>>
>> Direct:
>>
>>
>>
>> 469-444-1488 <tel:469-444-1488>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Email:
>>
>>
>>
>> ssample at cm.law <mailto:ssample at cm.law>
>>
>> */Please note: Culhane Meadows is now CM Law
>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.cm.law_cm-2Dlaw-2Dformerly-2Dculhane-2Dmeadows-2Dlaunches-2Dsecond-2Ddecade-2Dwith-2Dfresh-2Dname-2Dand-2Dmodern-2Dbrand_&d=DwMGaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=5yorqlAgQCjy70Bhtwc7O92AgXg2Hoo2uu3SnI8N-6adpnDDvaqkuM5mXjRy2qe3&m=BxHMr-yhm7UIwlkPEsFGLV9qBZTJ4NkvnysyOtQzqVYOSBuQ--Ivect997kU5a9Y&s=jbaLGE9ANCMdJDWAQBgeW8Kf21MADkfP0mq7dasF09Q&e=>/*
>>
>>
>> *From:*Patentpractice
>> <patentpractice-bounces at oppedahl-lists.com>
>> <mailto:patentpractice-bounces at oppedahl-lists.com> *On Behalf
>> Of *Richard Straussman via Patentpractice
>> *Sent:* Friday, August 29, 2025 1:12 PM
>> *To:* patentpractice at oppedahl-lists.com
>> *Cc:* Richard Straussman <rstraussman at weitzmanip.com>
>> <mailto:rstraussman at weitzmanip.com>
>> *Subject:* Re: [Patentpractice] Trump tries to abolish PTO union?
>>
>> EXTERNAL EMAIL
>>
>> FDR had it right: /See/ Franklin D. Roosevelt, Letter on the
>> Resolution of Federation of Federal Employees Against Strikes
>> in Federal Service Online by Gerhard Peters and John T.
>> Woolley, The American Presidency Project
>> https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/208681
>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.presidency.ucsb.edu_node_208681&d=DwMGaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=5yorqlAgQCjy70Bhtwc7O92AgXg2Hoo2uu3SnI8N-6adpnDDvaqkuM5mXjRy2qe3&m=BxHMr-yhm7UIwlkPEsFGLV9qBZTJ4NkvnysyOtQzqVYOSBuQ--Ivect997kU5a9Y&s=kVpEUbrtV0I959ntcFavfoyObaWL7VE3E1zORY3BFN4&e=>
>>
>> *Richard Straussman**
>> **Senior Counsel**
>> **Registered Patent Attorney**
>> *Member NY, NJ & CT Bars
>> *. . . . . . . . . . . . . .*
>> *Weitzman Law Offices, LLC*
>> *Intellectual Property Law*
>> 425 Eagle Rock Avenue, Suite 401
>> Roseland, NJ 07068
>> *direct line*973.403.9943
>> *main*973.403.9940
>> *fax*973.403.9944
>> *e-mail*rstraussman at weitzmanip.com
>>
>> *_http://www.weitzmanip.com
>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.weitzmanip.com_&d=DwMGaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=5yorqlAgQCjy70Bhtwc7O92AgXg2Hoo2uu3SnI8N-6adpnDDvaqkuM5mXjRy2qe3&m=BxHMr-yhm7UIwlkPEsFGLV9qBZTJ4NkvnysyOtQzqVYOSBuQ--Ivect997kU5a9Y&s=YIYEAn9J2QvyuZahZLBUWhLW7_TD71QPsRZsek8GKJ0&e=>_**_
>> _*
>>
>>
>>
>> On 8/29/2025 2:03 PM, Michael Brown via Patentpractice wrote:
>>
>> No need to guess. It is that union, per the attached.
>>
>> Michael Brown
>> Michael J Brown Law Office
>>
>> 354 Eisenhower Parkway
>>
>> Plaza I, 2nd Floor, Suite 2025
>>
>> Livingston, NJ 07039
>>
>> michaeljbrownlaw at gmail.com
>>
>> michael at mjbrownlaw.com
>>
>> www.mjbrownlaw.com
>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.mjbrownlaw.com_&d=DwMGaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=5yorqlAgQCjy70Bhtwc7O92AgXg2Hoo2uu3SnI8N-6adpnDDvaqkuM5mXjRy2qe3&m=BxHMr-yhm7UIwlkPEsFGLV9qBZTJ4NkvnysyOtQzqVYOSBuQ--Ivect997kU5a9Y&s=UINAP_6GcRY1o-51-20TIE9ftcrWrqXQwTfCJd0LhoM&e=>
>>
>> +1 973-577-6300 fax +1 973-577-6301
>>
>> Google Voice +1 973-637-0358
>>
>> On Thu, Aug 28, 2025 at 6:08 PM Carl Oppedahl via
>> Patentpractice <patentpractice at oppedahl-lists.com> wrote:
>>
>> Here is a posting on a listserv that I belong to. It
>> seems that Trump is trying to abolish a union at the
>> USPTO. My guess is it would be the union that the
>> patent examiners belong to.
>>
>>
>>
>> -------- Forwarded Message --------
>>
>> *Subject: *
>>
>>
>>
>> [Ipprofs] Trump tries to abolish PTO union
>>
>> *Date: *
>>
>>
>>
>> Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:34:03 -0700
>>
>> *From: *
>>
>>
>>
>> Mark A. Lemley via IPProfs
>> <ipprofs at listserv.law.unh.edu>
>> <mailto:ipprofs at listserv.law.unh.edu>
>>
>> *Reply-To: *
>>
>>
>>
>> mlemley at law.stanford.edu
>>
>> *To: *
>>
>>
>>
>> Ipprofs <ipprofs at listserv.law.unh.edu>
>> <mailto:ipprofs at listserv.law.unh.edu>
>>
>>
>>
>> Trump just purported to abolish the Patent Office
>> union on the grounds that the PTO is a national
>> security agency
>>
>> Mark A. Lemley
>> William H Neukom Professor, Stanford Law School
>> Partner, Lex Lumina LLP
>>
>> --
>> Patentpractice mailing list
>> Patentpractice at oppedahl-lists.com
>> http://oppedahl-lists.com/mailman/listinfo/patentpractice_oppedahl-lists.com
>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__oppedahl-2Dlists.com_mailman_listinfo_patentpractice-5Foppedahl-2Dlists.com&d=DwMGaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=5yorqlAgQCjy70Bhtwc7O92AgXg2Hoo2uu3SnI8N-6adpnDDvaqkuM5mXjRy2qe3&m=BxHMr-yhm7UIwlkPEsFGLV9qBZTJ4NkvnysyOtQzqVYOSBuQ--Ivect997kU5a9Y&s=iVwRWd1W7Zmf4SKaG35zpX4CKfppwYzFso0Z-U1C-Z0&e=>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
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