Federal Circuit Finds “Payment Handler” Patent Claims Indefinite for Lack of Structure

Fintiv, Inc. v. Paypal Holdings, Inc Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky In a significant decision for software patents, the Federal Circuit recently affirmed the invalidation of several Fintiv, Inc. patents for indefiniteness, holding that the term “payment handler” failed to…

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Color Alone Isn’t Enough: Federal Circuit Affirms Dark Green Medical Glove Color Is Generic, Not a Trademark

In re PT Medisafe Techs Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky In a recent decision, the Federal Circuit Court affirmed that PT Medisafe Technologies could not register the dark green color (Pantone 3285c) used on its chloroprene medical examination gloves as…

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Federal Circuit Clarifies Limits on Using “Admitted Prior Art” in Patent Challenges

Qualcomm Inc. v. Apple Inc Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky In a significant decision for patent law, the Federal Circuit has clarified how “applicant admitted prior art” (AAPA) can—and cannot—be used in inter partes review (IPR) proceedings. The case involved…

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The Power of the Patent

ProtectionA patent grants an inventor the right to prohibit others from manufacturing, utilizing, selling, or importing an invention for up to 20 years. Patents are legally binding to safeguard your investment and deter competitors from duplicating your idea. Patents are…

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Federal Circuit Says Applying Machine Learning to New Fields Isn’t Enough for a Patent

Recentive Analytics, Inc. v. Fox Corp Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky In a recent decision, the Federal Circuit tackled whether simply using machine learning in a new context—like TV scheduling or network mapping—can make an invention eligible for a patent.…

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I’ll Sell It First, Then Patent It Later: What You Need to Know About the U.S. Patent System

Did you know that the U.S. patent system allows inventors a whole year to file for patent protection after they first disclose their idea or put it up for sale? This is great news, but there are some important things…

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UK “Sterile” Label Sinks US Patent Claims: Sage Products Loses Appeal Over Chlorhexidine Patent

Sage Prods., LLC v. Stewart Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky In a recent decision, the Federal Circuit affirmed the invalidation of two patents owned by Sage Products, LLC, relating to sterilized chlorhexidine products used for skin disinfection. The patents in…

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Federal Circuit Denies SAP’s Request to Move Patent Case Within Texas

In re SAP Am., Inc Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky In a recent decision, the Federal Circuit denied SAP America, Inc.’s attempt to move a patent infringement lawsuit from one division of the Eastern District of Texas (Marshall) to another…

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When Is a Trademark Too Descriptive? Federal Circuit Affirms “iVoterGuide” Is Not Protectable

Heritage All. v. Am. Pol’y Roundtable Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky A recent decision from the Federal Circuit offers important lessons for anyone hoping to protect a descriptive brand name as a trademark. In Heritage Alliance v. American Policy Roundtable,…

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Patent Owner’s Own Words Sink Infringement Case Over Vancomycin Liquid Formulation

Azurity Pharms., Inc. v. Alkem Labs. Ltd Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky In a recent decision, the Federal Circuit affirmed that Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. could not enforce its U.S. Patent No. 10,959,948 against Alkem Laboratories Ltd. because Azurity had clearly…

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Trade Secret Law Clarified: When Does a Secret Stop Being a Secret?

Ams-Osram USA Inc. v. Renesas Elecs. Am., Inc Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky In the recent case of Ams-Osram USA Inc. v. Renesas Electronics America, Inc., the Federal Circuit addressed several important issues in trade secret and contract law, especially…

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Patent Provisional Rights Don’t Outlive Patent Expiration, Says Federal Circuit

In re Forest Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky In a recent decision, the Federal Circuit clarified that “provisional rights” to a patent cannot exist if the patent itself is already expired by the time it issues. The case involved Donald…

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