Features

Takeaways from the Swift End to <i>Waymo v. Uber</i>
The details might not be quite as dramatic as they were in <i>Waymo v. Uber</i>, but lawyers expect trade secrets to continue to be a fertile source for litigation.
Columns & Departments
IP News
Federal Circuit Vacates Noninfringement Decision Finding a Genuine Dispute as to Divided Infringement<br>Patent Trial and Appeal Board Holds Sovereign Immunity No Defense to IPR Petition Brought by Accused Infringer
Features

Federal Circuit Holds That PTAB's Determination on Whether the One Year Time-Bar Is Triggered in <i>Inter Partes</i> Review Is Reviewable on Appeal
On Jan. 8, 2018, the Federal Circuit issued its significant <i>en banc</i> decision in <i>Wi-Fi One, LLC v. Broadcom.</i> In that decision, the Federal Circuit held that the time-bar of 35 U.S.C. §315(b) is reviewable on appeal, thus overturning a prior panel decision and opening the door for parties to challenge how the USPTO has interpreted and applied that statutory provision.
Features

Trademark Board's Precedential Ruling on Use in Commerce
In a nearly 50-page precedential opinion in a ruling of great significance to the entertainment industry, a TTAB panel of judges recently underscored the need to prove actual use in commerce in order to register a trademark, regardless of how low the standard for use under the Lanham Act has recently become.
Features

Federal Circuit Holds Scandalous or Immoral Marks Entitled to Registration
<b><i>Refusal Is an Unconstitutional Violation of Free Speech</b></i><p>On Dec. 15, 2017, a unanimous Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit held that despite Appellant's mark comprising “immoral or scandalous” matter, the PTO could no longer refuse federal registration of such marks on the grounds that this refusal violated the free speech clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Features

An IP Protection Primer for Entertainment Tech Startups
The tech-heavy entertainment industry is an active field for tech startup companies developing potential patents and trade secrets. But many cash conscious startups are forced to initially neglect protection planning for these intellectual property assets, instead allocating scarce resources to set up and initial operation costs. This article suggests some practical and economical steps for startups, especially those with tight finances, to protect what may become valuable patents and trade secrets.
Features

The Sixth Circuit Creates a New Standard for Unmasking an Anonymous Copyright Infringer Post-Judgment
On Nov. 28, 2017, the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued its opinion in <i>Signature Mgmt. Team, LLC v. Doe</i>. The case involved a John Doe defendant's effort to remain anonymous even after having been adjudicated liable for copyright infringement of plaintiff's business training manual.
Columns & Departments
IP News
Judges Newman and Reyna Argue that Litigation Misconduct does not Demonstrate Intent to Deceive the PTO<br>Federal Circuit Affirms Board's Decisions in IPRs Finding a Video Conferencing Patent Not Anticipated or Obvious<br>Federal Circuit Affirms No Intent to Deceive for Inequitable Conduct Claim Where Inventors Should Have Documented Findings to the USPTO
Features

The Profound Effect of TC Heartland on Patent Litigation
This article examines the impact of <i>TC Heartland</i> with a focus on recent Federal Circuit decisions applying <i>TC Heartland</i> and further clarifying the scope of where patent cases may be filed.
Features

TTAB: Trademark Use Must be Proven
<b><i>Board Says It Doesn't Matter Whether Use Is By a Trademark Owner Or a Third Party</b></i><p>In a nearly 50-page precedential opinion, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) panel of Judges Adlin, Heasely, and Lynch, underscored the need to prove actual use in commerce in order to register a trademark, regardless of how low the standard for use under the Lanham Act has recently become. <i>Tao Licensing, LLC, v. Bender Consulting d/b/a Asia Pacific Beverages.</i>
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