Federal Circuit IP Digest
Court Finds “Optimal” and “Best” Patent Claims Too Vague for Enforcement
November 25, 2025
Akamai Techs., Inc. v. Mediapointe, Inc. Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky A recent decision highlights the importance of clear and objective language in patent claims, especially when using terms of degree like “optimal” or “best.” In a dispute between Akamai…
Read MoreFederal Circuit Clarifies Patent Claim Construction in Railroad Car Dispute
November 19, 2025
Nat’l Steel Car Ltd. v. Greenbrier-Concarril LLC Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky In a recent decision, the Federal Circuit affirmed a district court’s ruling that Greenbrier-Concarril LLC did not infringe two patents owned by National Steel Car Ltd. (NSC) related…
Read MorePatent Invalidated: Federal Circuit Reverses $39 Million Hair Loss Drug Verdict Over Written Description
November 18, 2025
Duke Univ. v. Sandoz Inc Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky In a major decision for pharmaceutical patents, the Federal Circuit reversed a $39 million jury verdict in favor of Duke University and Allergan Sales, LLC, finding that claim 30 of…
Read MoreFederal Circuit Clarifies “Transparency” in Design Patents and Limits Doctrine of Equivalents for Integrated Frames
November 13, 2025
Smartrend Mfg. Grp. (SMG), Inc. v. Opti-Luxx Inc Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky In a recent decision, the Federal Circuit addressed important issues of claim construction and patent infringement in Smartrend Mfg. Grp. (SMG), Inc. v. Opti-Luxx Inc. The case…
Read MoreFederal Circuit Corrects Obvious Patent Typo, Saving Claims from Indefiniteness
November 12, 2025
Canatex Completion Sols., Inc. v. Wellmatics, LLC Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky In a recent patent dispute in the oil and gas industry, the Federal Circuit stepped in to fix a clear drafting mistake in a patent claim, overturning a…
Read MorePatent Office’s Discretion in IPR Decisions Upheld: No Mandamus Relief for Motorola
November 6, 2025
In re Motorola Sols., Inc Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky In a recent decision, the Federal Circuit denied Motorola Solutions, Inc.’s attempt to overturn the Patent Office’s (USPTO) decision to end several inter partes review (IPR) proceedings involving patents challenged…
Read MoreWho Counts as an Inventor? Federal Circuit Clarifies “By Another” Prior Art Rule in Merck v. Hopewell
October 30, 2025
Merck Serono S.A. v. Hopewell Pharma Ventures, Inc Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky The Federal Circuit recently clarified when a prior publication counts as “prior art” against a patent with overlapping inventors. In Merck Serono S.A. v. Hopewell Pharma Ventures,…
Read MoreFederal Circuit Clarifies Patent Terms for Heart Valve Devices in Key Infringement Ruling
October 27, 2025
Aortic Innovations LLC v. Edwards Lifesciences Corp Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky In a recent decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit addressed a patent dispute between Aortic Innovations LLC and Edwards Lifesciences over innovative devices used…
Read MorePatent Board Faulted for Failing to Explain Its Reasoning in Network Security Patent Challenge
October 22, 2025
Palo Alto Networks, Inc. v. Centripetal Networks, LLC Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky In a recent decision, the Federal Circuit vacated and remanded a Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) ruling after finding that the Board failed to adequately explain…
Read MorePatent Board Must Consider Evidence of Copying, Says Federal Circuit in Centripetal v. Palo Alto Networks
October 22, 2025
Centripetal Networks, LLC v. Palo Alto Networks, Inc Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky In a recent decision, the Federal Circuit vacated a Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) ruling in the dispute between Centripetal Networks, LLC and Palo Alto Networks,…
Read MoreFederal Circuit Upholds Non-Infringement in Fence Patent Dispute Over Connector Design
October 17, 2025
Barrette Outdoor Living, Inc. v. Fortress Iron, LP Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky In a recent patent dispute between Barrette Outdoor Living and Fortress Iron, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit examined claims related to innovative fencing…
Read MoreFederal Circuit Sides with Competitors, Invalidating Key Brita Water Filter Patent Claims
October 15, 2025
Brita LP v. Int’l Trade Comm’n Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky In a recent decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld a ruling from the International Trade Commission (ITC) that struck down several claims in Brita…
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