Coronavirus Bill Authorizes USPTO and Copyright Office to Adjust or Waive Statutory Deadlines
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, recently passed by both houses of Congress and currently awaiting the President’s signature, contains provisions allowing the Director of the USPTO to waive, adjust, or modify deadlines established under several statutes.
Federal Circuit Denies Rehearing in Arthrex v. Smith & Nephew
The Federal Circuit issued an order Monday denying both panel rehearing and rehearing en banc in Arthrex v. Smith & Nephew, 931 F.3d 1320 (Fed. Cir. 2019).
Michael Hawkins Quoted in Law360 Article: “Ban On IPR Time-Bar Tricks Will Spur New Strategies”
Fish Principal Michael Hawkins was recently quoted in Law360‘s article “Ban On IPR Time-Bar Tricks Will Spur New Strategies” on March 20, 2020.
Federal Circuit Says PTAB Joinder Rules Contrary to Law
The Federal Circuit has ruled in Facebook, Inc. v. Windy City Innovations, LLC that the Patent Trial and Appeal Board’s (PTAB) practice of permitting petitioners to join themselves as parties to existing reviews and adding new issues by joining new petitions to earlier ones is contrary to the America Invents Act (AIA).
USPTO Alert: Closure of USPTO facilities to the public
The USPTO has issued the following update regarding their offices:
Out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of the public and USPTO employees, all USPTO offices will be closed to the public beginning Monday, March 16, 2020 until further notice. USPTO offices will remain open for employees, contractors, and those with access badges. Unless otherwise notified, USPTO operations will continue without interruption. Patent and trademark application deadlines and other deadlines are not extended. Those with official business with the USPTO should reach out to their points of contact with any questions or through the CONTACT US link. Thank you for your cooperation. We regret any inconvenience. For more information on coronavirus please visit: cdc.gov/covid19.
