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CAFC Holds IPR Claim Amendments Subject To Full Patentability Examination

Yesterday, a divided CAFC panel held in Uniloc 2017 LLC v. Hulu, LLC (here) that during an IPR proceeding, the Board may consider any patentability challenge—including subject matter eligibility—if the Patent Owner moves to amend its claims under § 316(d).  The Court continues to emphasize the agency’s duty to the public in assessing patentability of the patent claims it issues.
Continue Reading 101 is Fair Game for Assessing PTAB Amendments

Two PTAB Boardside Chats This Week

Today from noon to 1 PM (EST), Chief Judge David Ruschke will provide additional information about the impact of SAS on AIA trial proceedings. He will also share new information about motion to amend practice, and discuss the recently published Notice of Proposed Rule-making on the claim construction standard…

PTAB Formally Appoints Vice Chief & Board Executive

Federal Circuit Flips Burden in PTAB Motion to Amend

For PTAB practitioners, the en banc decision in In re Aqua Products is a complete non-event. While the decision has been embraced as a net positive for Patentees, practically speaking, it will not move the needle on amending at the PTAB.

Aqua Products held that it is improper for the PTAB to place the burden of persuasion on the Patentee relative to the patentability of new/amended claims. Going forward, this burden of persuasion will rest with Petitioners (as it does for originally challenged claims 35 USC § 316(e)). (here)

While this shift may be seen as a positive for Patentees, the difficulties/unpopularity in amending at the PTAB never had anything to do with an improper shifting of the burden of patentability.Continue Reading In Re Aqua Products: Much Ado About Nothing