Takeaway: A copyright lawsuit against OpenAI was dismissed as the court ruled that large language models synthesize knowledge rather than copy content, making it nearly impossible to prove concrete harm under current copyright laws.

Takeaway: The USPTO announced patent fee hikes effective January 2025, revising some controversial increases while maintaining others to cover rising costs, enhance operations, and sustain financial stability. In light of the impending fee increases, you may want to initiate or authorize any pending work now before January 19, 2025.

The USPTO has been granting patents for animated display screen portions, known as “changeable computer-generated icons,” since 2006, despite ongoing legal debates about their patentability due to their transient nature.

An advocacy group is urging the U.S. government to use patent laws to reduce the price of the prostate cancer drug Xtandi, highlighting substantial pricing gaps between the U.S. and other countries. Patents do incentivize drug innovation, but also keep drug prices high.

Takeaway: The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the U.S. Copyright Office advised against immediate changes to IP laws in response to the rapid evolution of nonfungible tokens (NFTs), highlighting potential benefits like greater IP control alongside challenges such as piracy and infringement.

Takeaway: Brooklyn prosecutors charged Klaus Pflugbeil and his Chinese partner with trying to sell Tesla’s battery technology secrets, leading to Pflugbeil’s arrest for sending trade secrets to undercover agents and a possible 10 year prison sentence.

Ferrari has filed a patent for a groundbreaking innovation allowing the driver’s seat to slide laterally between predetermined positions.

As we step into 2024, intellectual property law is poised for dynamic changes, driven by technological advancements, global shifts, and evolving legal landscapes. Cislo & Thomas wants you to be informed of key trends to consider as you navigate this new year.

Software Patentability: Defining patentable subject matter still a must remains when involving software inventions, specifically as the Supreme Court continues to refuse to take on any cases to clarify patentability parameters.

Biotech Inventions: Patenting biotech inventions will continue to get more difficult after the Supreme Court Amg...

Takeaway: The U.K. Supreme Court has ruled that artificial intelligence cannot be recognized as an inventor on patents, emphasizing the requirement for a “natural person” behind inventions.

The USPTO has launched the Semiconductor Technology Pilot Program, expediting examination of qualifying utility patent applications related to semiconductor manufacturing to support the CHIPS for America initiative, aiming to enhance innovation, national security, and economic competitiveness.