For years, the U.S. has talked about substantially overhauling U.S. patent law so that it conforms with how most of the rest of the world approaches patent rights. Now, it might become a reality. Yesterday, the Senate overwhelmingly passed patent reform legislation, which if signed, will have the greatest effect on patent law in the… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Prior Art
Subscribe to Prior Art RSS FeedYou Can’t Judge A Patent By Its Cover….
Posted in IP, Patents, Prior Art, USPTOWe’ve all heard the phrase, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” Well, this adage is especially true when looking at an issued patent as there may be valuable information that is not reflected on its face. First, printing errors can occur. Late amendments to the claims of the patent (which define the scope… Continue Reading
Why Can’t We Practice Our Own Patent?
Posted in IP, Patents, Prior ArtThis is a common question. Just because your company owns a patent doesn’t necessarily mean that you can practice what is covered by the patent. Sound crazy? It’s true. A patent is a negative right. Generally speaking, a patent gives the owner the right to preclude others from making, using, selling, offering for sale and/or… Continue Reading
Inequitable Conduct Standard Clarified
Posted in Patents, Prior ArtYesterday, the Federal Circuit clarified the standard for proving inequitable conduct in patent infringement cases in its Therasense, Inc. decision. Similar to how it addressed the burden of proof for fraud on the USPTO in the trademark context, the Court adopted a heightened standard for proving inequitable conduct. Here are several points to consider: it… Continue Reading