Other Barks & Bites for Friday, June 19: Senate Finance Committee to Consider ITC Nominees; U.S. Bills on Likeness Rights Head to Senate Floor; and Director Squires Declines Discretionary Denial Over U.S. Manufacturing Considerations

June 19, 2026 - 20:17

The Senate Finance Committee has announced a hearing to consider several of President Trump's nominees for the International Trade Commission, including Peter-Anthony Pappas. The hearing is expected to examine the candidates' qualifications and their approach to trade remedy laws and intellectual property disputes.

On Capitol Hill, two bills concerning state-level likeness rights have moved to the Senate floor. The legislation aims to create a federal framework for protecting individuals' names, images, and likenesses, a growing issue in the digital age. The bills have drawn bipartisan support but also criticism from some tech companies.

In a notable development at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Director John Squires issued a decision declining discretionary denial in a patent case. The ruling has been designated as informative, partly because of its analysis of U.S. manufacturing considerations. The decision provides guidance on how the agency will weigh domestic production interests when deciding whether to institute review proceedings. This marks a significant clarification for patent holders and manufacturers who argue that U.S.-based production should factor into administrative decisions.