
CTC Legal Media welcomes new Editor-in-Chief, Elizabeth Jordan
CTC Legal Media is thrilled to welcome Elizabeth Jordan as the new Editor-in-Chief of The Trademark Lawyer and The Patent Lawyer magazine. Elizabeth shares her excitement in taking on the new role: “I was previously the editor of Global Railway Review and Building...
Major consultation to strengthen UK’s £100 billion design sector
A major Government consultation launched today by the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) aims to modernize Britain's design protection system and strengthen the UK's position as a global design powerhouse. Industry analysis estimates that the design sector...
Kubota wins jurisdictional challenge in patent dispute
Background This dispute revolves around a patent infringement case, CS (Comm) 655/2023, filed by Kubota Corporation (Kubota) against Godabari Agro Machinery and Services India Private Limited (GAMS) and two Chinese companies that allegedly manufactured the machine and...
Patent law and AI: the Supreme Court considers Emotional Perception AI’s appeal
Last month, the Supreme Court hearing in the Emotional Perception case took place. Emotional Perception AI Limited (EPL)'s invention was an improved system for providing media file recommendations (such as music) using a trained artificial neural network (ANN), where...
Written description and genus claims: lessons from In re: BAC IP B.V.
On August 5, 2025, in In re: BAC IP B.V., No. 24-2124, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) affirmed the rejection of broad genus claims for lack of written description under 35 U.S.C. § 112, first paragraph. The opinion underscores that satisfying the...
Delhi High Court holds “algorithms” and “computer program” not patentable
This article discusses an appeal filed by Kroll Information Assurance, LLC (Appellant), against the order of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CG). The appeal concerns the refusal of an Indian Patent Application No. 8100/DELNP/2007 for a...
Samsung’s $112M patent verdict: Maxell makes its mark in IP enforcement
In a significant setback for global tech giant Samsung, a Texas federal jury has handed down a USD 111.7 million verdict in favor of Maxell, ruling that Samsung infringed three patents covering user interface technology, multimedia processing, and smart networking....
Optis v. Apple: what the Federal Circuit’s decision means for functional claiming
The Federal Circuit's June 16, 2025, decision in Optis Cellular Technology, LLC v. Apple Inc., 2025 US App. LEXIS 14745 shines a renewed spotlight on a recurring challenge in patent law: functional claiming. Specifically, it reaffirms the court's willingness to apply...
Delhi High Court denies AbbVie’s anti-cMet ADC patent
This article discusses an appeal filed by AbbVie Biotherapeutics Inc. and AbbVie Inc. (Appellants) at the Delhi High Court against the refusal of their patent application (Application No. 201817047767) for an anti-cMet antibody-drug conjugate by the Assistant...
UPC and EPO diverge on inventive step: lessons from Amgen’s PCSK9 patent battle
In a landmark test of the new Unified Patent Court (UPC), the European patent landscape faces a striking divergence between the UPC and the European Patent Office (EPO) on the issue of inventive step. The dispute centers on Amgen's European patent EP 3 666 797, which...
Therapeutic efficacy is a must for a novel intermediate compound to overcome Section 3(d) objection
In an appeal case between Zeria Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., v. The Controller of Patents (C.A.(COMM.IPD-PAT) 452/2022) before the Delhi High Court, wherein the appellant - a Japanese Corporation - filed an Indian Patent Application, numbered 3630/DLNP/2011 (the subject...
Should translation requirements apply equally in patent law?
A recent High Court judgment in India highlights a potential procedural fairness question in patent examination regarding English translation standards. While patent applicants face rigorous translation requirements under multiple Patent Rules, with severe...
UPC validates second medical use patent in Sanofi v. Amgen antibody therapeutics ruling, finds non-infringement
The Düsseldorf Local Division of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) has handed down a key decision in UPC CFI 505/2024, affirming the validity of a second medical use patent owned by Regeneron and licensed to Sanofi. The case involved alleged infringement by Amgen’s PCSK9...
Annual Report 2024 of the Boards of Appeal of the European Patent Office
The Annual Report 2024 of the Boards of Appeal of the European Patent Office has been published today. It is available in English, German, and French on the Boards' website. Delivering decisions of the highest quality continued to be a central priority in 2024. As in...
LOT Network achieves significant membership milestone – 1,000 members and counting
LOT Network releases detailed report on its breadth of protections across software, automotive, electronics and other high-tech industries PHOENIX (OCTOBER 28, 2020) - LOT Network Inc., the leading international community of high-tech companies protecting against...
Chris Carter & Mattia Pagani report: new roulette layout application refused by Australian Patent Office
On 16 October 2020, in the decision of Crown Melbourne Limited [2020] APO 47, the Australian Patent Office refused a patent application by casino owner Crown Melbourne Ltd for a new roulette table layout after it found that the new layout did not provide any...
Cloud gaming positioned for strong future growth according to new research from Clarivate
More than four in five gamers who do not currently play cloud games say they will start cloud gaming in the next twelve months London, UK, October 20, 2020 — Clarivate Plc (NYSE:CCC), a global leader in providing trusted information and insights to accelerate the pace...
Robert Stoll reports: Supreme Court to hear Athrex Case on issues relating to the Appointment of Patent Judges
In a not unexpected decision, the Supreme Court (SC) granted cert to hear the Athrex v. Smith and Nephew, Inc. case on October 13, 2020 on two questions. The first question is whether the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) judges are “principal” officers needing...
Karmanya Singh Sareen discusses why the TKDL should be made public
The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) is the first database of its kind in India. It is being used to document and protect traditional Indian knowledge of medicinal practices, from misappropriation and monopolization by corporate entities and foreign...
Jonathan Foster, Appleyard Lees trainee patent attorney, goes above and beyond to raise awareness this World Mental Health Day
Jonathan Foster, Appleyard Lees trainee patent attorney, is raising awareness of and working to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness. Jonathan is working with the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) and Jonathan’s voice, an organisation...
Synamedia Joins LOT Network
First UK-headquartered video and pay-TV solutions provider to join the non-profit community London – October 8, 2020 – Synamedia, the world’s largest independent video software provider, today announced it has joined the global non-profit organization LOT Network as a...
Jevgenijs Fortuna gives an overview on Registered Community Design
Content of packaging is neither part of the industrial design, nor does it extend the protection conferred on the design. The CJEU has put an end to the saga of invalidity of Registered Community Designs for sprats in transparent packaging (C-199/20 and C-200/20) by...
CEO of Clarivate Jerre Stead comments on the acquisition of CPA Global
Clarivate Completes Acquisition of CPA Global to Form a Global Intellectual Property Powerhouse Creates end-to-end solution covering the entire intellectual property, science and innovation lifecycle Clarivate reaffirms standalone 2020 financial outlook London, U.K.,...
Mathys & Squire launches innovative online advisory platform providing IP resources for startups, SMEs and entrepreneurs
One-stop platform offers small business community access to insightful information and connections to help facilitate the startup process Leading intellectual property firm, Mathys & Squire has announced the launch of its Scaleup Quarter, a one-stop microsite...
Genprex names seasoned IP Executive, Thomas C. Gallagher, as Senior Vice President of Intellectual Property and Licensing
Gallagher’s appointment demonstrates the Company’s commitment to building a world-class intellectual property portfolio AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Genprex, Inc. (“Genprex” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GNPX), a clinical-stage gene therapy company developing...
Katherine Wang, Partner at Ropes & Gray, summarizes the Draft Measures proposed by NMPA.
China’s National Medical Products Administration proposes implementing rules on Patent Linkage for public comments The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) recently published the draft Measures for Implementing an Early-Stage Resolution Mechanism for...
Matthew Norwood, Partner at Ridout & Maybee LLP, gives an overview of the Choueifaty v. Canada case.
Federal Court Overturns Patent Appeal Board on Test for Patent Eligibility of Computer Implemented Inventions in Choueifaty v. Canada For nine years, since the Federal Court of Appeal handed down its decision in Amazon.com Inc. v Canada (Commissioner of Patents), 2011...
Ken Seddon, CEO of LOT Network, and Russell Binns, CEO of AST, comment on their collaboration.
LOT NETWORK AND AST BRING MORE PATENT MITIGATION RISK OPTIONS TO LOT NETWORK MEMBERS LOT Network members to have opportunity to acquire select AST patent portfolios PHOENIX, ARIZONA -- September 8, 2020 -- The world’s two largest non-profit organizations offering...
Janett Lumbreras, Senior Associate at Uhthoff, gives an overview of the new Mexican IP Law
This year we have had big changes around the world that have changed the way we work. However, thinking of positive changes, Mexico has issued a new IP Law that will strengthen IP rights. This new Law will replace entirely the current Mexican Industrial...
Questel acquires RenewalsDesk
Questel announces the acquisition of RenewalsDesk, a UK-based company specializing in patent annuity services. RenewalsDesk was founded in 2013 by a patent owner who discovered high hidden fees with their former provider, with a mission to bring honesty and...
Mathys & Squire promotes trio of new partners to drive growth in life sciences, IT & engineering sectors
Leading intellectual property firm Mathys & Squire LLP has announced the promotion of attorneys David Hobson, Juliet Redhouse and Andrew White to the partnership. The firm now has 30 partners and 10 offices across the UK and Europe. Working in the life sciences...
Unwired Planet v Huawei FRAND judgment
The judgment by the UK Supreme Court in the dispute between Unwired Planet, Huawei et al, covering two appeals by cell phone manufacturers (implementers) of wireless technologies, is a landmark case in the area of Standard Essential Patents (“SEPs”) and FRAND...
Patent types explained: utility, design, and plant
The canny entrepreneur should have a solid understanding of the importance of IP. Here, Josh Gerben, founder of Gerben Law Firm, PLLC, explains the three different types of patents available to inventors in the US, and outlines how to apply for them. A patent is a...
Clarivate to combine with CPA Global
In a significant move, Clarivate has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to combine with CPA Global. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2020. CPA Global currently provides IP management and technology solutions to more than...
Anaqua launches dedicated law firm business unit
In a bid to address the diverse needs of today’s global law firms, IP management software company Anaqua has launched a new Anaqua Law Firms business unit and announced three senior hires. The move, says Anaqua, underscores the company’s commitment to the law firm...
USPTO launches COVID-19 Response Resource Center
In the latest in a series of steps intended to bring calm to the US IP landscape in the face of coronavirus, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has launched a “COVID-19 Response Resource Center” to “provide stakeholders and other interested parties...
Apple patents “synthetic group selfies”
In what, with hindsight, seems like an obvious innovation in our socially distanced, locked down age, California tech giant Apple has successfully applied for a US patent for “synthetic group selfies”. Apple’s patent, granted on 2 June by the USPTO, covers the...
China Life Sciences collaboration for Rouse and Codex
International IP firm Rouse and Life Sciences services provider Codex have announced a collaboration that is intended to support life sciences companies accessing the Chinese market. The rapid spread of COVID-19 has intensified the global search for treatments,...
“Eureka” for COVID-19 test inventor
The inventor of a ground-breaking COVID-19 test described his “eureka moment” when he realized he could adapt existing tech to create a rapid virus test. Professor Chris Toumazou is the co-founder of DnaNudge, which produces App technology that uses DNA and lifestyle...
USPTO may prioritize COVID-19 applications
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has asked for comments on its proposal to fast-track patent applications relating to COVID-19 – a so-called Prioritized Examination Pilot Program (PEPP). In a statement released on its website, the USPTO says that...
Renewed calls for a unified EU patent system
Despite, or maybe because of recent high-profile blows to the planned implementation of such a system, EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton has once again called upon Member States to move forward with a unified EU patent. Breton’s call comes at a time when...
WHO wants a COVID patent pool?
The annual world health assembly, the forum through which the World Health Organization (WHO) is governed and an event which involves almost every country in the world, began (via videolink) on 18 May. At the top of the agenda is, of course, the current COVID-19...
Mental Health Awareness Week – LawCare shares COVID-19 data
With it currently being Mental Health Awareness Week (18-24 May), legal mental health charity LawCare has released data on all the COVID-19 related contacts it has received to date. In total, 48 legal professionals have contacted the charity with issues related to...
The latest from KnowIt 2020
The 2020 KnowIt annual event, to which The Patent Lawyer is the official media partner, is currently Livestreaming from 10 am EST until May 13. This three-day event aims to bring together the community of creators and protectors of intellectual property and other...
Annual Patent and Trademark Attorney Salary Survey 2020
The Patent Lawyer is partnering with Fellows and Associates to bring you the 9th Annual Patent and Trademark Attorney Salary Survey 2020. This survey aims to analyze the current remuneration packages available for Patent and Trademark Attorneys. As such, all...
Innovation surge needed to address climate change, says WIPO
A new WIPO report, released to coincide with World IP Day on Sunday 26 April, has highlighted the fact that innovation in environmentally friendly technologies as measured by international patent applications barely rose in 2019, prompting a call from WIPO Director...
World IP day – small entities, big impact
With World IP Day 2020 celebrating the theme of a greener future, when it comes to innovation in green technology, it is not just the major corporations that are making the difference. A lot of smaller entities are also working on technologies that could have a...
British government indemnifies ventilator manufacturers
The British government has announced that UK firms manufacturing ventilators for use in combating the COVIC-19 pandemic will be protected by the government from the financial impact of potential legal claims arising over intellectual property infringements or personal...
Spin Master awarded highest-ever patent infringement damages for foreign plaintiff in China
Leading global children’s entertainment company, Spin Master, has won a major victory in a long-running patent dispute against one of the most prominent toy producers in China, resulting in the largest damages ever awarded to a foreign patent owner. In a first...
India – extensions and lockdowns
In light of current global events, and in line with many other jurisdictions, the Indian Supreme Court has extended the limitation period for the filing of suits, appeals, and applications in all proceedings before any court, tribunal, or authority in India. The...
Financial heart attack for Amarin
In a decisive and damaging blow for the Irish pharmaceutical giant, a US Federal Court decision has ruled that six patents owned by Amarin Corporation, and used in its successful drug VASCEPA, are invalid. VASCEPA, a treatment for cardiovascular disease originally...
Experts react to “unconstitutional” Unified Patent Court
The future of Europe’s Unified Patent Court (UPC) seems increasingly in doubt. First, the British Government confirmed that it would not seek membership of the Court following Brexit, and now Germany’s intended involvement has been deemed “unconstitutional”. The UPC...
EUIPO and EPO extend deadlines
Given the enormous, and growing, disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Patent Office (EPO) has taken the decision to extend all deadlines for application until 17 April 2020. The decision was announced in a Notice dated 17 March, which stated that...
EPO Patent Index 2019 – AI and 5G drive growth
The recently published European Patent Office (EPO) Patent Index 2019 Annual Report contains various headline findings, including: A 4% annual growth in the number of EPO patent applications in 2019. EPO States now account for 45% of patent applications (with Germany,...
UK turns its back on Unified Patent Court
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the British Government has confirmed that it will not be seeking membership of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) following Brexit. Publishing its negotiating objectives for any future relationship between the UK and the EU, the Government has also...
Quibi sues Eko over trade secrets claim
Following claims that it stole trade secrets, US mobile video platform Quibi, founded in 2018 by Jeffrey Katzenberg and due to launch on 6 April, has launched legal proceedings against tech company Eko, denying patent infringement and stating that the latter “embarked...
Derwent report shows fragmented patent landscape
According to the latest Derwent Top 100 Global Innovators report, released by Clarivate Analytics, the emergence of market disrupters is fragmenting the global patent landscape and diluting the invention market share of leading innovators. Rapid change has seen large...
Supreme Court victory for VirnetX
In what represents an enormous, and expensive, blow for Apple, the US Supreme Court has declined to consider the tech giant’s appeal from a recent Court of Appeal decision, in which it was held that Apple could not proceed with patent invalidation claims against...
Neodron strikes again
Controversial Irish patent-holding company Neodron has launched a patent infringement action against Apple in the US District Court, claiming that four of its patents have been used without permission by Apple in the capacitive touchscreens used in Apple's iPhone 11...
USPTO patent statistics saw upward trend in 2019
The total number of patents granted in the United States has been more-or-less static over the last five years. However, that trend came seemed to come to an end last year. New 2019 USPTO patent statistics analysis, carried out using Anaqua’s AcclaimIP patent search...
AI and IP – the WIPO consultation
The World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) is currently undertaking a public consultation on AI and IP, seeking comments from interested parties on the likely impact of AI on IP law and practice. Saiful Khan, partner and specialist electronics and computing patent...
Apple loses latest VirnetX action
It has been nearly ten years since Apple and VirnetX first locked horns in patent litigation. VirnetX, a Nevada-based security technology company, holds patents for tech used in secure communications – patents that, VirnetX has alleged in proceedings against both...
WiLan awarded $85 million against Apple
A California jury has ruled against Apple in its most recent skirmish with Canadian intellectual property licensing company WiLan, finding that the tech giant owes the latter some $85 million in damages. WiLan has been involved in patent proceedings against Apple,...
Nintendo patent verdict overturned
Long-running proceedings against gaming behemoth Nintendo have concluded in the company’s favor after a US federal court found that the Kyoto-based company did not infringe motion-control patents held by iLife Technologies Inc, a Dallas tech company that has developed...
Pharmaceutical companies are the “big winners” from US-China trade deal
Whether the recent US-China trade deal will have the desired effect of ending the acrimonious trade war between the two countries remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the deal will have consequences for IP matters such as pharmaceutical patents, and...
Big changes to Saudi IP hearings
The Saudi justice minister Walid Al-Samaani has announced that, from February, patent and copyright cases will be heard by commercial courts and/or committees established within those courts. Previously, such cases were heard by two committees, constituted to examine...
Philips bid to block US Fitbit sales
The US International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain wearable monitoring devices manufactured by, amongst others, Fitbit and Garmin. The investigation follows a complaint filed by Philips North America, alleging violations...
Masimo alleges Apple Watch infringement
Masimo, the California-based patient-monitoring technology manufacturer, has brought patent infringement proceedings against Apple in the US District Court, claiming that the multinational’s Apple Watch infringes upon ten of its patents. Further, Masimo alleges that...
Airbnb using patented tech to identify “psychopaths”
Following a patent application last year, Airbnb is now using advanced AI-powered software gained from its acquisition of tech startup Trooly to run social media background checks on potentially “untrustworthy” bookers. The “trait-analyzing” software uses bespoke...
EPO rejects applications from AI inventor
The European Patent Office (EPO) has, in a landmark decision, rejected two patent applications designating an artificial intelligence, rather than a human being, as the inventor. Both applications named the neural-net AI “DABUS” as the creator of, respectively, an...