Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

The Federal Circuit Clarifies Who Can Be an Expert In Patent Cases

By Jim Day and Raven Quesenberry
November 01, 2024

In September 2024, the Federal Circuit clarified the necessary qualifications for a technical expert to testify in a patent lawsuit, holding that while an expert must possess ordinary skill in the art, they need not have possessed such skill "at the time of the alleged invention." Osseo Imaging, LLC v. Planmeca USA Inc. 2024 WL 4031140, at *3 (Fed. Cir. Sept. 4, 2024).

Expert witnesses play a critical role in patent litigation, where judges and juries without technical training are expected to adjudicate often highly technical issues related to the patented invention, the accused products, and the state of the art in the relevant industry at the time of the invention. But without the right specialized knowledge, training, or experience, a witness may not qualify as an expert and his/her opinions will not be helpful. Many issues in a patent lawsuit — including claim construction, infringement, and validity — require assessing evidence from the perspective of a hypothetical "person of ordinary skill in the art." Thus, to be qualified to offer technical expert testimony in a patent case, "an expert must at a minimum possess ordinary skill in the art." Kyocera Senco Industrial Tools Inc. v. International Trade Commission, 22 F. 4th 1369, 1377 (Fed. Cir. 2022).

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
New York's Latest Cybersecurity Commitment Image

On Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.

Law Firms are Reducing Redundant Real Estate by Bringing Support Services Back to the Office Image

A trend analysis of the benefits and challenges of bringing back administrative, word processing and billing services to law offices.

The Bankruptcy Hotline Image

Recent cases of importance to your practice.

Bit Parts Image

Summary Judgment Denied Defendant in Declaratory Action by Producer of To Kill a Mockingbird Broadway Play Seeking Amateur Theatrical Rights

How AI Has Affected PR Image

When we consider how the use of AI affects legal PR and communications, we have to look at it as an industrywide global phenomenon. A recent online conference provided an overview of the latest AI trends in public relations, and specifically, the impact of AI on communications. Here are some of the key points and takeaways from several of the speakers, who provided current best practices, tips, concerns and case studies.