GE Argues CAFC Patent Exceptionalism

Back in July, I predicted that competitor standing in PTAB appeals was a debate destined for cert petition. That petition was filed last Wednesday in Gen. Elec. Co. v. United Techs. Corp. (“GE”)

As a reminder, in GE the Federal Circuit held that for the competitor standing doctrine to apply in appeals from the PTAB, the government action must change the competitive landscape by, for example, creating new benefits to competitors (citing its earlier decision in AVX Corp. v. Presidio Components, Inc.).  The Court further explained that the government action with respect to a unique property right like a patent, militates in favor of a narrower application of the precedent. The holding in GE drew a concurrence from Judge Hughes (as bound by precedent), which explained his differing views on the Court’s competitor standing jurisprudence.

GE has pressed the views of Judge Hughes in its cert petition.
Continue Reading Competitor Standing in PTAB Appeals Pursued to SCOTUS