In a significant move that underscores ongoing tensions over patent law, Tesla Inc. has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court, criticizing the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) limitations on patent reviews. Tesla contests that the USPTO’s actions are significantly undermining the review framework established under the America Invents Act. The company contends that these constraints…
In a recent development at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, a former principal shareholder at Greenberg Traurig LLP has been named acting commissioner for patents. This appointment marks a significant transition within the agency, particularly as it addresses an evolving landscape in intellectual property law. According to the appointee’s LinkedIn profile, this new role…
The Eighth Circuit Court recently upheld a decision that denied trademark protection for a water hose manufacturer, ruling that the chartreuse color of its hoses was a functional attribute rather than a distinctive brand mark. This decision arose from a case where the hose manufacturer claimed that a competitor infringed on its trademark by using…
A recent decision in the legal battle involving Impossible Foods has reopened discussions around the punitive damages in its trademark dispute with Impossible X. A California federal judge has ruled that the $1.75 million awarded to the lifestyle brand was not supported by the trial evidence, thus necessitating a new trial focused specifically on punitive…
In a recent move by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Director John Squires has approved six requests for reviews under the America Invents Act while rejecting four others. This latest decision reflects the ongoing complexity and scrutinization of patent petitions that continue to shape the U.S. intellectual property landscape. For further details, the full…
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced Anne Mendez as the new acting deputy director following the departure of Deputy Director Coke Morgan Stewart to the private sector. Mendez’s appointment underscores her long-standing commitment and experience within the agency she has served for many years. Her extensive knowledge of both patent and trademark…
In a recent development, a personal care retailer has refuted claims by GSK, the makers of Sensodyne and Aquafresh, over allegations that its “Sensio” and “Triple Protect” toothpaste brands infringe on GSK’s trademarks. The controversy centers around the potential for consumer confusion, though the retailer argues that the distinctive nature of its packaging and design…
The recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to hear RiseandShine Corp. v. PepsiCo Inc. marks a pivotal moment in trademark litigation, particularly regarding the determination of brand strength. As companies across various sectors await the implications of this case, the central issue revolves around whether a judge or a jury should decide the robustness…
The legal landscape surrounding patent reviews may soon be under the spotlight of the U.S. Supreme Court as Kahoot Inc., an e-learning company, challenges the established practices of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). At the heart of Kahoot’s petition is the USPTO’s use of “settled expectations” as a basis to deny patent reviews,…
OpenAI has reached a settlement with startup IYO over a trademark dispute involving the use of the “IO” name for artificial intelligence hardware. This resolution follows legal proceedings that saw both companies assert their intellectual property rights in a California federal court. The dispute centered on the potential consumer confusion arising from both entities utilizing…
A New York federal judge has allowed Danone’s trademark infringement suit against Chobani to proceed, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal battle over the use of the phrase “Bright & Mellow” in coffee-related products. Danone claims the phrase is part of its brand identity, while Chobani contended it was too generic to be…
Katherine Stewart is set to leave her position as Deputy Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) this week to take on a new role in the private sector. Stewart’s departure comes after a tenure marked by significant contributions to the agency’s modernization efforts. Joining the USPTO in 2020, Stewart played a…
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is poised to see a significant change in its leadership with the departure of Coke Stewart, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump. As Chief of Staff, Stewart played a key role in the operational and strategic management of the USPTO. Her tenure at the office…
Deputy Director Coke Morgan Stewart is set to leave the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) this week, marking a significant shift in the agency’s leadership. As reported, Stewart will transition back to the private sector, a decision she shared with USPTO executive staff in a recent message. Her departure comes amidst ongoing discussions about…
In mid-2026, Connecticut courts have become the focal point of significant cases, including a crucial one involving the state’s primary hospital group. This case questions whether the enforcement of mandatory cognitive tests for healthcare providers over age 70 is a violation of federal disability and age discrimination laws. Legal professionals are closely monitoring the proceedings…
The landscape of patent eligibility for machine learning (ML) technologies has become increasingly complex due to divergent interpretations by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. This discord presents significant challenges for innovators seeking to protect their ML inventions. In April 2025, the Federal Circuit…
In a recent legal development, the companies responsible for household toothpaste brands Sensodyne and Aquafresh have initiated a lawsuit against a beauty and personal care retailer. The action alleges that the retailer’s “Sensio” toothpaste range and “Triple Protect” oral care products could potentially mislead consumers into confusing these products with the well-established brands. This legal…
An Ohio patent attorney has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), asserting that its attorney disciplinary procedures operate under an unlawful “pay for play” system. This accusation highlights potential biases within the USPTO’s framework, allegedly disadvantaging legal professionals facing disciplinary actions as reported by Law360. The attorney contends that the…
An Ohio patent attorney has initiated legal action against the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), alleging that the office’s disciplinary procedures are fundamentally flawed. The attorney argues that the system operates under a “pay for play” scheme, which he claims leads to biased outcomes against those facing disciplinary charges. This lawsuit raises important questions…
An attorney has initiated legal action against the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), challenging the agency’s handling of disciplinary procedures. The lawyer argues that the current method lacks fairness and transparency, which could have broader implications for attorneys across various legal fields. The lawsuit highlights concerns regarding how disciplinary cases are managed by the…
Laura Ganoza, a seasoned partner at Foley & Lardner LLP, has earned recognition for her robust advocacy in a trademark infringement lawsuit involving a resort’s brand identity. Her approach was highlighted by opposing counsel Sarah Ring from Porter Hedges LLP, who acknowledged Ganoza as “a strong advocate” in the proceedings. This case underscores Ganoza’s reputation…
In a recent development within the intellectual property landscape, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director John Squires announced plans to revisit a Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) decision from two years prior. The original ruling invalidated claims from an EagleView Technologies patent related to roof measurement technology. This move to reassess the PTAB’s decision…
In a legal resolution that underscores the importance of trademark clarity in advertising, a Connecticut federal court has approved a consent judgment favoring a New York exterminator in their dispute over the use of the term “black widow” for pest control services. The settlement follows a contentious trademark confrontation between the unnamed New York exterminator…
Recent data analysis has revealed a slight decline in the affirmance rate of patent eligibility decisions by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), correlating with the tenure of the current U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director, John Squires. The analysis, conducted by McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP, highlights that since Squires took over…
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has introduced several pilot programs aimed at enhancing the patent examination process. These initiatives offer both opportunities and challenges for applicants and legal practitioners. One such initiative is the Pre-Prosecution Pilot Program, launched in December 2023. This program assists first-time inventors by providing preliminary assessments of potential…