The America Invents Act (HR 1249) was enacted into law on Friday September 16, 2011, marking a significant change to U.S. patent law. The new laws will surely change our strategies for obtaining, protecting, and enforcing patent rights. Some changes take effect immediately, while others phase in at various times over the next several years. You should begin planning now for the upcoming changes and determine how this will alter the way you do business even though many important features are 12-18 months away.

Below is an overview of some of the more notable changes that will directly or indirectly influence patent litigation planning and strategy...