Companies that hold patents so that they can sue companies in an effort to generate revenue rather than create their own goods and services—also known as “patent trolls,” nonpracticing entities (NPEs), or patent assertion...more
New data shows a sharp increase in the number of patent troll lawsuits being filed against energy companies in 2015. As we predicted in our March 2014 White Paper, “Are Patent Trolls Now Targeting the Energy...more
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. v. Sandoz Inc. case to determine whether appellate courts should afford any deference to a trial court's claim construction...more
The North Carolina General Assembly recently passed a bill aimed at the abusive assertion of patents. It was part of the Commerce Protection Act of 2014 (S 648, S.L. 2014-110, section 2.1) and was signed into law by Governor...more
The U.S. Congress continues to focus on patent reform legislation with House passage of the Innovation Act, a bill primarily addressing the conduct of patent litigation. While much attention has been paid to litigation...more
Non-practicing entities (NPEs), also know as “patent assertion entities” (PAEs) or “patent trolls,” have received much attention recently with two bills in Congress, statements by the President, a Vermont law to curb trolls,...more
The number of patents filed in recent years has increased with the proliferation of complex products containing thousands of components. So too has the incidence of lawsuits or threats of suit....more
Copyright co-ownership is a well-established method of allocating rights within the software, recording, and motion picture industries. In theory, it presents a clear and simple arrangement and provides a strong degree of...more
In This Issue: - Commission Issues Exclusion Order In 794 Investigation Despite FRAND Declarations - White House Releases Report On Patent Assertion And U.S. Innovation; Makes Legislative Recommendations And...more
On June 4, 2013, the White House issued a press release announcing its “Task Force on High-Tech Patent Issues.” The press release outlined five executive actions and seven legislative recommendations “designed to protect...more
On June 4, 2013, United States President Barack Obama announced in a White House press release, five executive actions and seven legislative recommendations aimed at deterring frivolous patent litigation and ensuring the...more
The Leonard, Street and Deinard patent litigation team helps clients on a daily basis to defend against and resolve threats of patent infringement by Patent Assertion Entities (PAEs, often referred to as "patent trolls")....more
President Obama and the Chief Judge of the Federal Circuit struck a one-two punch in the fight against patent trolls this week....more