Federal Circuit claims “Control Means” deciding factor in Summary Judgement On Thursday, October 19, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit decided Lufthansa Technik Ag v. Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp., an appeal which arose from a patent infringement suit brought in the Western District of Washington. The district court granted summary judgment in favor of defendant—Astronics Corp., finding all claims of U.S. Patent […] Continue Reading →
Patenting Abstract Ideas: Technology, Turnstiles, and Transformation On October 18, the Federal Circuit again examined the existing bounds of the patentability of abstract ideas. InSmart Systems Innovations (SSI) v. Chicago Transit Authority, the Federal Circuit determined that SSI’s four patents claimed an abstract idea and were invalid. SSI’s patents were directed to a fare collection system for mass transit (e.g. bus, train, […] Continue Reading →
To Defer or Not to Defer? Uncertainty Ahead for USPTO Rules In an en banc decision on October 4, 2017, the Federal Circuit made it easier to amend patents during AIA proceedings. However, in reaching this decision, the Federal Circuit raised questions as to whether Chevron deference would apply to the USPTO’s rules made without following a formal rule-making process. During an inter partes review proceeding, […] Continue Reading →
Levi’s Sues Over Pocket “Tab” Can you use of a piece of fabric no bigger than a fingernail to constitute a trademark infringement? Levi’s appears to think so. Late last month, Levi Strauss & Co. filed a federal lawsuit in San Francisco against Vineyard Vines, LLC alleging the clothing company has been infringing Levi’s trademark rights by sewing a small […] Continue Reading →