By Godson Umejiego, Bureau Chief, The Americas

Today, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announces a request for comments (RFC) in the Federal Register seeking public input on the Motion to Amend (MTA) Pilot Programme and the rules of practice to allocate the burden of persuasion on motions to amend in trial proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) (MTA burden-allocation rules). The MTA Pilot Programme provides a standardized framework of MTA procedures that include the option to provide the parties with the Board’s preliminary guidance on the merits of the MTA and an additional option for a revised MTA, while reasonably fitting these options within the one-year statutory period from institution to a final written decision.

Specifically, we’re seeking public input on whether the MTA Pilot Programme  procedures should be made permanent, and if so, whether any modifications would be beneficial. We’re also inviting input on the practical effects of the MTA burden-allocation rules, and whether modifications to the rules or additional guidance on implementing the rules, would be beneficial. Additionally, we’re requesting input on whether the PTAB should have broader authority to raise sua sponte grounds in the MTA process.

“The MTA is critical to our mission at the USPTO,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO Kathi Vidal. “Your input is essential and helps us to improve the MTA Pilot Program—we’re looking forward to reading your comments and suggestions.”

This RFC is part of our broader effort to hear from and respond to stakeholder feedback regarding PTAB practices in preparation for notice-and-comment rulemaking.

We are accepting comments through Friday, July 21, 2023 . You can submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal.

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Nokia Expands Fixed Network Saas Suite With AI Solution To Strengthen -Operators’ Service Offer

Nokia has announced an expansion of its Fixed Network solutions suite available through a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) delivery model, with the launch of AVA Fixed Network Insights that will enable operators to strengthen their customer service offering while reducing operating costs.

Using AI/ML insights powered by Bell Labs algorithms across DSL, fiber, and fixed wireless access networks, AVA Fixed Network Insights provides operations and customer care teams with automated recommendations to proactively identify and remotely resolve problems within both home and access domains before they lead to network service problems; and to reduce call handling times and improve first call resolution.

Through services consumed purely on demand through a subscription, Nokia’s approach to telecom SaaS is about enhancing operators’ ability to launch new services faster, improve time to value more quickly, and cut complexity. It also avoids large, up front investments and the need to perform on-site software maintenance and updates.

AVA Fixed Network Insights is expected to eventually entail chatbot-driven support through easy-to-implement recommendations that can be utilized by the end-user without the need for onsite or remote technical support.

AVA Fixed Network Insights is expected to be commercially available by the end of this year.

Nokia’s Fixed Networks applications, including Altiplano Access Controller and WiFi Cloud Controller, can already be deployed by operators through a SaaS subscription.

Chief Analyst, Broadband Access Intelligent Service, at Omdia, Julie Kunstler said: “The SaaS delivery model is a critical piece of digital transformation for operators. Nokia’s new Fixed Network Insights SaaS component provides operators with another needed pathway towards AIOps-driven, self-healing fixed broadband networks.”

Senior Vice President, Cloud and Network Services, at Nokia, Mark Bunn said: “Achieving faster time to value and lower TCO for our customers are core tenets to Nokia telecom SaaS. AVA Fixed Network Insights represents a strong companion to the existing suite of Fixed Networks applications that are already delivering strong results to customers through a SaaS subscription.”