Patent Agent Privilege Exists, But Is Limited
July 01, 2016
In <i>In re: Queens University at Kingston,</i> the Federal Circuit determined that there is a "patent agent privilege" that protects communications between patent agents and their clients, so long as the communications relate to the patent agent's limited authority to practice law. While this is a promising protection for patent agents and their clients, the scope of the privilege is limited and uncertain, so reliance on the privilege should be discouraged.
New USPTO Rules for Post-Grant Trials
June 01, 2016
New changes to rules for post-grant administrative trials before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) went into effect on May 2, 2016, after much public comment and gnashing of teeth. Among the plethora of rule changes that were announced, two in particular stand out as most substantive for both patent owners and their challengers.
App-portionment In the Supreme Court In <i>Apple v. Samsung</i>
June 01, 2016
The Supreme Court granted Samsung's request, in <i>Apple, Inc. v. Samsung,</i> for certiorari to consider whether Section 289 of the Patent Act requires an apportionment of profits for only the infringing feature(s) of the accused product, or instead contemplates profits for the entire product.
IP News
June 01, 2016
Federal Circuit: A Computer Database Logical Model Is Not an Abstract Idea If Directed At a Specific Implementation of a Solution to a Problem In the Software Arts <br>Federal Circuit: In Claim Construction Analysis, Plain Term Meanings and Presumption of Claim Differentiation Get Outweighed By Intrinsic Evidence and Prosecution History
Patent Venue Rule Remains the Same ' For Now
June 01, 2016
Outside of the patent litigation world, most people have probably never heard of Marshall, TX. However, patent litigants often find themselves defending patent infringement suits in Marshall and other remote locations, even though the litigant has virtually no connection to that jurisdiction.
Corporate-Sponsored Research Agreements With Universities
May 01, 2016
Corporate-sponsored research plays a crucial role in performing foundational research in new technology areas. These research projects are also mutually beneficial. Corporate sponsors receive a cost-effective opportunity to explore new technology areas with leading academics and talented students. In turn, universities benefit from Sponsors providing research funding and industry expertise.
IP News
May 01, 2016
Federal Circuit Affirms District Court Decision Finding Claim Covering Method for Gene Detection Is Directed to Unpatentable Subject Matter <br>Federal Circuit: Estoppel Provision Does Not Apply To Any Grounds Raised in a Petition for IPR Where Such Grounds Are Denied and the IPR Has Proceeded To a Final Written Decision