Legal Insights
Thought leaders from around the world contribute their perspectives on landmark cases, new legislation, and legal perspectives on new technologies, business practices, and civil procedure.
Featured Articles
Patent (Win) Pending
Morgan Chu & Rebecca Carson
In every court proceeding, patent litigation included, there will be a winner and a loser. Everyone wants to win, but half lose. Why?
The Argument Against Self-Representation in Patent Cases
John Powers
A look back at the 1983 Nilssen case, and what it means for patent law today.
The Short and Long Answers on Patent Applications
John Powers
How long do patent applications take? Consider what you're filing for, and the strength of your proposal.
New European Unitary Patent Is Not-So-Wonderful
Michael B. Fein
If the European Parliament and the 25 participating states were trying to emulate a U.S. patent and replace the present Balkanized system wherein each state has its own patent granting authority and courts handling patent litigation, it has failed miserably.
Supreme Court Rejects the 'Promise of the Patent,' Redefines Canada’s Patent Utility Requirement
Julie Desrosiers and Michael Shortt
The nine judges of the Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the so-called “promise doctrine” was not part of Canadian patent law, and laid out a new approach to the utility requirement which substantially lowers the bar to proving usefulness of patented inventions.
Greek Supreme Court Contests the Validity of Philips’ EFM+ (DVD) Patent
Kriton Metaxopoulos
An overview on the ruling of Philips’ EFM+ (DVD) Patent in the Greek Supreme Court.
Patent Battles at the PTO
S. Benjamin Pleune
Inter partes review (IPR) has become the procedure of choice to resolve the validity of patents, with or without a co-pending litigation.
Initial Data Shows that PTAB Is Not a ῾Death Squadʼ for Biologic Drug Patents
Corinne E. Atton and April M. Breyer
The March 2017 statistics issued by PTAB report that across all technologies, all challenged patent claims are found patentable in only 19 percent of inter partes review (IPR) final written decisions.
Supreme Court Reinstates Venue Limitations in Patent Cases
Jeff C. Dodd, Tonya Gray, Ben Setnick, John R. Hutchins, Rose Cordero Prey, and Mark A. Chapman
This week, in TC Heartland LLC v. Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC, the Supreme Court undid the settled practice of virtually nationwide venue for patent infringement cases.
Protect Your Intellectual Property From Patent Trolls
Best Lawyers
Michael Ritscher discusses how he advises clients to better protect their trade secrets.
Understanding the Constitutionality of Patent Law
John Powers
Ideas can be stolen, just like the machines or products they were used to create.
Is That Famous Song Protected by Copyright? Maybe Not – and the Change Means Refunds for Some
Michael B. Fein
A guide to navigating copyright claims on famous songs.
Morrison Foerster Wins Jury Trial for University of California Davis
Morrison & Foerster
Jury trial won for the University of California Davis in—yes—a strawberry patent infringement case.
Shaping the Policy You Really Care About
Best Lawyers
Attorney Manuel Lobato from the Spanish firm Bird & Bird discusses the firm's 2019 award, changes coming to privacy rights in the EU and Spain, and more.
David Ackert's Top Advice on Social Media and Client Prospecting
Best Lawyers
The president of Ackert Inc. offers his insights on business development to Best Lawyers following the 2019 Legal Marketing Association Annual Conference.
The Best Lawyers Voting Process Explained
Best Lawyers
Invited to vote? Learn how to submit your ballot and why your vote counts.
Alicia Lloreda on the Increasing Complexity of IP Law
Best Lawyers
The Lloreda Camacho & Co. attorney discusses the firm's 2019 “Law Firm of the Year” award for Intellectual Property Law.
Should You Opt for a Career Expert Witness or a First Timer?
Erin Quinn-Kong
There are reasons to hire an expert with 30-plus years of experience, but don't underestimate the skills of a first timer.
Lawyer Commendations Feature Makes It Easy to Recommend Top Legal Talent
Best Lawyers
Attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers can now position themselves as reliable industry resources.
How Patents Will Change Under the "New" Supreme Court
Jamie L. Graham
Patent law is one more area up for debate with changes coming to the Supreme Court.
In the News Weekly Roundup: Los Angeles Times Wins First Amendment Fight
Best Lawyers
A roundup of recent news of listed lawyers across the country.
Your Trademark Registration was Audited. Now What?
Paul C. Van Slyke
The second of a two-part look at updates to the U.S. trademark registration process, and what to expect if yours was selected for an audit.
Is Your U.S. Trademark Registration Being Audited?
Paul C. Van Slyke
The first of a two-part look at updates to the U.S. trademark registration process, and what it means for you and your business.
Q&A with Colleen Tracy James of Mayer Brown
Best Lawyers
A Q&A with Advisory Board member Colleen Tracy James of Mayer Brown.
Victory for The Slants and Redskins
Carol Steinour Young and Emily Hart
On June 19, 2017, the United States Supreme Court settled the issue of whether an offensive name—in this case, an Asian-American rock band called “The Slants”—can properly be registered as a trademark.
Drones: What Legal Issues Should You Be Thinking About?
Rachel Constantino-Wallace, John Roche, and John Wechkin
Issues like product liability, FAA compliance, privacy, and IP surround the use of drones for personal and business use.
