Legal Definitions - senior administrative patent judge

A Senior Administrative Patent Judge is a public official appointed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to hear and decide legal matters related to patents. They are experienced judges who have retired from their full-time position but remain active in hearing interferences.

For example, a Senior Administrative Patent Judge may preside over an interference proceeding, which is a legal dispute between two parties claiming the same invention. The judge will hear evidence and make a decision on who is entitled to the patent.

Overall, a Senior Administrative Patent Judge is an important figure in the patent system, ensuring that disputes are resolved fairly and efficiently.