In an influential move that could reshape patent litigation strategy, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Director John Squires issued a memorandum on March 11, 2026. The directive shifts the Patent Trial and Appeal Board’s (PTAB) discretionary institution decisions by focusing on the connection between patent disputes and U.S. manufacturing efforts. This realignment comes at…
R.J. Reynolds has initiated a legal battle against Altria Group’s attempt to subpoena one of its in-house attorneys. This move comes as part of a wider legal conflict involving both companies, connected to a significant patent infringement dispute. The subpoena, issued by Altria, aims to acquire testimony and potentially sensitive information from the R.J. Reynolds…
In a decision issued on April 6, 2026, the Federal Circuit upheld the U.S. International Trade Commission’s (ITC) decision to deny an import ban on boat air conditioners. This ruling came in response to an appeal from a Swedish manufacturer seeking to restrict these imports, alleging patent infringement by competitors. The court found that the…
The rapid expansion of data centers across the United States is increasingly becoming a focal point for patent infringement litigation. These facilities, essential for handling vast amounts of data in our digital age, are complex ecosystems that incorporate designs and technologies from a broad range of vendors. This complexity can present significant challenges when addressing…
Amazon and AlmondNet have jointly moved to dismiss their respective appeals concerning a $136 million judgment awarded to AlmondNet. This judgment followed a jury’s determination that Amazon had infringed upon patents related to online advertising space auctions. The litigation between the two companies has been extensive. In May 2024, AlmondNet, along with its subsidiary Datonics,…
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Director John Squires has recently come under fire from a bipartisan group of lawmakers concerning his approach to patent reviews. This scrutiny mirrors the confrontation faced by his predecessor Kathi Vidal, who was similarly accused of overstepping her authority. These recurring issues at the USPTO highlight ongoing debates about…
In a pivotal case before the U.S. Supreme Court, inventor groups and practitioner associations are rallying support for a challenge to the doctrine of prosecution laches. This doctrine allows patents to be nullified if the owner unreasonably delays the prosecution process. A brief filed emphasized that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has contributed…
A patent dispute has emerged involving JetSuiteX Inc., a public charter operator accused of infringing upon call routing and auction system patents. The patent holder filed a lawsuit in a Texas federal court, alleging JetSuiteX misappropriated its intellectual property. The case revolves around technology crucial to efficiently managing and routing calls, which has become increasingly…
Plaid Inc. recently secured a legal victory as a Utah federal judge dismissed a patent infringement lawsuit concerning the company’s authentication processes for third-party transactions. The ruling determined that the patent in question was directed to abstract ideas, thus failing under the Alice standard. The Alice Corp. v. CLS Bank International decision by the Supreme…
In a recent decision by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, a significant award of $236,000 in attorney fees has been upheld against a home designer who accused a group of real estate agents and a brokerage firm of patent infringement concerning floor plan designs. This verdict highlights the financial risks associated with pursuing intellectual…
In the ever-evolving landscape of design patent litigation, legal professionals frequently encounter cases where strikingly similar designs are at the heart of disputes. Surprisingly, a design that initially appears to infringe on another may not necessarily constitute a violation after legal scrutiny. Courts often filter out elements of a design that are driven by functionality…
Samsung Electronics Co. and CogniPower LLC have reached a settlement in a lawsuit concerning alleged infringements of power converter patents, effectively ending the legal battle in the Texas federal court. The agreement follows CogniPower’s recent appeal after a decision that reduced the scope of the case. This development comes after a series of legal maneuvers,…
In a striking legal maneuver, the makers of Welch’s Fruit Snacks have initiated a patent infringement lawsuit against an Irish biotech firm, claiming that the company illicitly utilized patented designs for yogurt-covered probiotic snacks. The suit, lodged in a Texas federal court, alleges that the biotech entity colluded with Cibo Vita, a competing health snack…
Winston & Strawn LLP, a prominent firm known for its significant international presence, has strategically bolstered its patent litigation capabilities in Washington, D.C. The firm welcomed an accomplished litigator from McDermott Will & Emery, reinforcing its focus on intellectual property disputes. The addition brings a wealth of experience to Winston & Strawn as the new…
Winston & Strawn LLP has strategically strengthened its intellectual property group in Washington, D.C., by bringing aboard a seasoned patent litigator from McDermott Will & Emery. This move marks a significant enhancement of Winston & Strawn’s capacity to handle complex patent litigation, a vital area for many of the firm’s high-profile clients. The new addition,…
Norton Rose Fulbright’s strategic investment in patent services has propelled the firm towards a notable 25% growth in intellectual property revenues. This surge is attributed largely to their innovative approach, often referred to as a “patent machine,” which efficiently manages and capitalizes on patent portfolios for clients. By leveraging advanced technologies and streamlined operations, Norton…
Adeia Technologies has taken legal action against Dish Network Corp. and its subsidiary Sling TV, alleging that both companies have infringed on patents related to pay-television technologies. The lawsuit was filed in a federal court in Colorado, asserting that Dish and Sling TV are using Adeia’s intellectual property without proper authorization. Adeia’s claims center around…
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has introduced a significant change in the ex parte reexamination process, now allowing patent owners to participate earlier in the proceedings. Patent owners can submit a brief to argue why their patents should not be subjected to reexamination. This change comes in response to a recent surge in…
In a recent decision impacting patent litigation and innovation, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director John Squires issued a noteworthy order concerning requests for America Invents Act (AIA) patent reviews. Squires granted five petitions while denying eight others, reflecting his continued influence on the landscape of intellectual property rights. The approval of these five patent…
The Federal Circuit recently upheld a decision that declared a set of patents related to an outdoor railing system invalid, due to the absence of a co-inventor’s name on the applications. The ruling highlights the critical importance of accurately listing inventors in patent filings to maintain their validity. The case underscores the meticulous approach needed…
Recently, a jury verdict in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas where Apple Inc. was exonerated of patent infringement claims brought by Optis Wireless Technology LLC has set a precedent that may influence future jury instructions in patent litigation. The crux of the case revolved around standard-essential 4G cellular patents, highlighting…
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has launched an investigation against Hisense and Roku concerning alleged patent infringements. These companies are accused of importing televisions and streaming devices that violate six patents licensed by LG from another entity. The complaint, led by the patent licensing firm, claims that these imports infringe on intellectual property rights,…
DraftKings Inc. and FanDuel Inc., two prominent players in the online gambling and sports betting industry, are facing legal challenges as they have been accused of patent infringement. Interactive Games filed lawsuits in federal courts in Massachusetts and New Jersey, alleging that both companies have infringed on patents designed to confirm the identity and location…
The Federal Circuit has decided not to reinstate a cybersecurity patent held by Centripetal Networks, which had faced a challenge from Keysight Technologies Inc. The decision upholds a previous ruling by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) that the patent was invalid. The patent in question was scrutinized following a lawsuit initiated by Centripetal…
A recent ruling from a Texas federal judge has denied Realtek Semiconductor Corp.’s request for $1.5 million in attorney fees, despite the company emerging victorious in a patent infringement lawsuit. The court found that the case did not meet the “exceptional” criteria needed to award such fees under the prevailing legal standards. The litigation was…