When “About” Becomes Indefinite: Federal Circuit Provides Guidance for Life Science Patent Applications Regarding Limits of Approximation in Enviro Tech v. Safe Foods
Key Takeaway: The term “about” remains useful in biotech and pharmaceutical claims, but only if the patent provides objective guidance about what the term means. Absent that guidance, “about” may...
Space Tech Investment Grows in 2026 Amid Congressional Proposals Affecting Contractual IP Rights
Key Takeaways: Private investment in space technology continues an upward trend in 2026, with increasing growth in late stage and venture growth deals, including private equity purchases. Against a backdrop...
Changes to Mexican Patent Law May Impact Life Science Patent Prosecution
Key Takeaway: While recent amendments to Mexico’s patent laws promote faster prosecution and earlier decisions on patents, concerns abound as to the feasibility and integrity of the prosecution process. On...
Trademark & Brand Protection Update | June 2026
AI Training and Fair Use Ari Feinstein, Jonathan Menkes & Cassidy McCleary While the legal landscape is continuing to take shape, a number of recent court decisions indicate that unlicensed use...
Jeremiah Helm and Sean Murray Analyze Federal Circuit Ruling on “About” and Patent Claim Indefiniteness in Law360
In their latest Law360 column on recent notable Federal Circuit decisions, Knobbe Martens partners Jeremiah Helm and Sean Murray analyze the Federal Circuit’s decision in Enviro Tech Chemical Services, Inc....
Aerospace Update | June 2026
Applied Aerospace & Defense’s IPO Signals Continued Momentum in Defense Manufacturing Jacob S. Etling Ongoing geopolitical tensions are leading to an increase in defense-tech contractors filing for IPOs. Aerospace &...
Litigation Update | June 2026
Access Plus Similarity Starts the Clock for Trade Secret Misappropriation Claims Inzer C. Ni & Jordan A. DeOrio A trade secret misappropriation claim accrues when the plaintiff knew or should have...
One Definition and the Walls Come Down – District Court Dismisses Copyright Claim Based on Misclassified Cabinet Registration
Key Takeaway: A federal district court dismissed a copyright infringement claim on the grounds that the work in the asserted registration had been improperly classified under the Copyright Act. This...
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...
