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.

Takeaway: The USPTO issued its milestone 1 millionth design patent, highlighting the role of design patents in protecting unique product appearances for small businesses and inventors.

Takeaway: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit recently clarified key aspects of design patent law, addressing the scope of comparison prior art and the role of logos in infringement analysis, offering consistency and discretion to district courts.

In a recent precedential decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit clarified key aspects of design patent law. The case in question, Columbia Sportswear North America, Inc. v. Seirus Innovative Accessories, Inc., centered on the infringement of a design patent related to heat-resistant liner material. Initially, a dist...