It started with Vermont in 2013. Since then, over half the states have enacted legislation aimed at curbing patent infringement suits from non-practicing entities. Now, the band may add another member: Massachusetts....more
There’s something off about Google’s Patent Purchase Promotion....more
Yesterday, Sen. Christopher Coons (D-DE), Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL), and Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) introduced the "Support Technology and Research for Our Nation's Growth (STRONG) Patents Act of 2015." What is unique about...more
With the advent of the America Invents Act (AIA), public perception of frivolous patent litigation, frequently surrounding cases filed by non-practicing entities (NPEs), has received increasing legislative attention. Although...more
The press has been all too eager to decry the so-called "broken" U.S. patent system and the alleged "scourge" of non-practicing entities (NPEs). However, few if any articles attempt to provide an even-handed analysis of...more
On Thursday, December 5, 2013, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the “Innovation Act” (H.R. 3309), a bill principally aimed at curtailing certain patent infringement litigation practices of non-practicing entities...more
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill today called the “Innovation Act,” H.R. 3309, which was aimed at reigning in abusive patent litigation filed by “non-practicing entities (NPEs)” or “patent trolls.” The bill...more
As we have previously reported, Rep. Goodlatte (R-VA), the Chairman of the House Committee on the Judiciary, introduced the "Innovation Act" (H.R. 3309) to curb abusive patent litigation, and conducted a hearing of his...more
In case it was not clear that Congress is serious about combatting the perceived problem of "patent trolls," Sen. Patrick Leahy (Vermont) and Sen. Mike Lee (Utah) published an opinion piece this week on the POLITICO.com...more
As we have previously reported, the patent system is under attack, and has been for quite some time. Generally, these attacks either begin with the assumption that the patent system is "broken," or that conclusion is reached...more
A shepherd is tending a huge flock of sheep in a field beside a country road. A man comes walking down the road and approaches the shepherd. "I bet you $100 against one of your sheep that I can tell you the exact number in...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
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
Earlier this year, President Obama addressed frivolous patent suits in a Google+ hangout session, commenting that Patent Assertion Entities (PAEs) "don't actually produce anything themselves" and assert patents "to...more
On June 4, the Obama administration issued a press release announcing several legislative and executive initiatives aimed at reducing abusive litigation by Patent Assertion Entities (PAEs), otherwise known as patent “trolls.”...more
On June 4, 2013, the White House announced a set of executive actions and legislative recommendations to address the issue of frivolous litigation brought by companies that assert patents without also manufacturing a product...more
On February 14, 2013, President Obama stated in reference to non-practicing Patent Assertion Entities ("PAEs") (aka "Patent Trolls") "they don't actually produce anything themselves. ...more
On June 4, 2013, the White House issued a press release through the Office of the Press Secretary identifying five executive actions and seven legislative recommendations primarily directed at reducing or discouraging the...more
Congress Holds Hearings On Section 337 Litigation – On April 16, 2013, the House Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet, held a hearing on “Abusive Patent Litigation: The...more