Sheila Swaroop, Chair, Firmwide Litigation Committee
Dear Readers,
As Chair of Litigation at Knobbe Martens, I am pleased to introduce the inaugural edition of our Federal Circuit Year in Review. This report provides an overview and analysis of the most significant and consequential intellectual property-focused cases decided by the Federal Circuit over the past year—cases that not only shape the current legal landscape but also set the stage for future developments in IP law.
The Federal Circuit plays a pivotal role in the development of patent law, administrative agency rulings, and related areas of intellectual property. This report describes key decisions that impact how intellectual property rights are enforced and litigated. These decisions address a wide range of issues, including the interpretation of patent eligibility, the application of standards for patent damages, and the role of administrative agencies like the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Additionally, several cases have significant implications for patentability standards and the scope of patent rights.
Throughout this report, we provide in-depth analysis of these important rulings, offering insights into their potential impact on both the legal community and businesses that rely on intellectual property as a cornerstone of their innovation strategies. Our goal is to help you stay informed about the latest trends in Federal Circuit jurisprudence and how these decisions may influence your own practices, strategies, and decision-making in the year ahead.
We also take a closer look at some of the broader trends emerging from the Federal Circuit, such as the evolving balance between patent holder rights and challenges to those rights, the continuing influence of patent litigation on the broader economy, and the implications of shifting legal standards in key areas of intellectual property law.
Our litigation group at Knobbe Martens looks forward to continuing to share our insights with you in the months and years ahead.
Sheila Swaroop
Chair, Firmwide Litigation Committee