What the USPTO’s New 30-Day Director Review Deadline For Decisions Instituting Trial Means for PTAB Petitioners and Patent Owners
Key Takeaway: In a precedential decision in Light & Wonder, Inc. v. Evolution Malta Ltd., U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director Squires extended the deadline for requesting Director Review of...
Sound Marks – They Are More Than Just “Alright, Alright, Alright”
Key Takeaway: Non-traditional trademarks like sound marks can provide valuable protection for distinctive sounds that function as source identifiers, particularly where other forms of intellectual property protection may be unavailable....
Amendments to Mexico’s Federal Law for Protection of Industrial Property Inform More Flexible International IP Strategy for Biotech Companies
Key Takeaway: Amendments to Mexico’s Federal Law for Protection of Industrial Property align more with U.S. Patent and Trademark Office standards for restoring priority and application revival, increasing international patent...
Public Funding for Energy Innovation Impacts Private Intellectual Property Rights
Key Takeaway: The value of intellectual property developed using government funds depends upon compliance with disclosure and licensing rules. Public investment is critical to the development and commercialization of energy...
PTAB Update | May 2026
USPTO Director Signals Continued Pro-Patent Discretionary Denial Policy at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board Ted M. Cannon In a precedential decision in Magnolia Medical Technologies, Inc. v. Kurin, Inc.,...
FDA to Drop 510(k) Requirements for Certain Low-Risk Devices, Lowering Barriers to Entry
On June 5, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued updated guidance stating its intent to exempt certain unclassified medical devices from premarket 510(k) requirements, and that the FDA believes the identified device...
Federal Circuit Review | May 2026
May Federal Circuit Newsletter (Japanese) May Federal Circuit Newsletter (Chinese) When “About” Runs A-Fowl of the Definiteness Requirement In Enviro Tech Chemical Services, Inc., v. Safe Foods Corp., Appeal...
2 Bankrupt Crew – Intersection Between Bankruptcy and Copyright Law
Key Takeaways: Two members of rap group 2 Live Crew, and the heirs of a third member, attempted to terminate a transfer of copyright ownership in several records the group...
When ‘Any Patent’ Means No Patent: Federal Circuit Reverses Non-Specific Verdict
OLLNOVA TECHNOLOGIES LTD. v. ECOBEE TECHNOLOGIES ULC [OPINION] Before Chen, Cunningham, and Stark. Appeal from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Summary: A verdict form...
