Of course, this whole discussion is moot unless congress actually decides to open satellite offices, and this may take longer than it seems. A satellite office is scheduled in Detroit next summer, but under the America Invents Act (AIA), Congress has the authority to open two additional offices by 2014. Whether it elects to do so is another question. If Congress does decide to open additional satellite offices, Congress is directed by the AIA to open offices in geographically diverse locations while giving consideration to "the availability of scientific and technically knowledgeable personnel in the region." However, it appears that lobbyists, and not the criteria, are guiding the decision.
The main issue here, as it always is, is money. Congressman and various interest groups are all acutely aware of the economic advantages of a local patent office, and thus, the matter has come to the forefront for lobbyists in the nation's capital. A satellite office, directly and indirectly, creates hundreds of jobs and provide the locality with an economic boost. Considering the current economic climate, these advantages would be extremely valuable, not only to the community that receives them, but to the Congressman who is able to obtain them.
Detroit was an easy first choice. In light of the reapidly declining automotive industry and the general economic state of the city, it seemed like Detroit needed a satellite office. However, as soon as the America Invents Act was officially signed into law on September 16, 2011, the lobbying has heated up for the other two possible locations. California, New Mexico, Texas and Colorado are among the states making strong pushes for satellite office. While each state is publicly toting how their state best fits the AIA criteria, it would be naive to think there is not behind the scenes jockeying going on for these extremely valuable offices.
In our humble opinion, California seems to be the odds-on favorite at this point, as it would provide geographic balance , has large groups scientific and technically knowledgeable personnel congregated in hot spots throughout the state, such as Silicon Valley and Palo Alto, and maybe most importantly, has been experiencing some well publicized economic problems. Stay tuned for developments.
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