Prosecution

January 10, 2024
Person pumping gas into their car at a gas station

Appeal Board Weighs in on Patentability of Software Subject Matter

2023 CACP 23: Hot on the heels of the recent Benjamin Moore decision, Canada's Patent Appeal Board has considered the patentability of a computer-implemented invention.
July 31, 2023
Photograph of a watch in someone's hand.

Canada Introduces Patent Term Adjustment for the First Time

Bill C-47: Before CUSMA replaced NAFTA, Canada did not provide compensation to patent owners for delays in the processing of a patent application.
January 5, 2023
In a hospital room, a woman in a white lab looks at a computer monitor.

USPTO to Launch Cancer Moonshot Expedited Examination Pilot Program

Starting on February 1st, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will offer accelerated examination for patent applications aimed at preventing cancer and cancer mortality.
April 7, 2022
Photograph of a hand holding a smartphone. The smartphone displays the Youtube logo.

Is it Time for Video Provisional Patent Applications?

In a world of Instagram, Youtube and TikTok, why can't inventors submit their provisional patent applications entirely in video format?
November 15, 2021
Photo of computer screen showing a code editor.

Landmark Graphics Benefits Again From PAB’s Post-Choueifaty Approach

2021 CACP 42: Cementing its post-Choueifaty approach to patentable subject-matter in Canada, the PAB found all claimed elements to be essential in the computer-implemented invention.
September 14, 2021
Photo of American currency underneath a calculator

Federal Circuit Denies Relief to USPTO From Prolific Inventor Gilbert Hyatt

Fed. Cir. Nos. 20-2321-2325: The Federal Circuit clarified that, while an applicant is required to pay all the expenses of PTAB proceedings, this does not include expert witness fees.
July 15, 2021
Lightbulbs in a row. Lightbulbs are illuminated, Edison-style glass bulbs.

Amendments to Patent Rules Continue: Further Streamlining Canadian Patent Prosecution

Proposed changes to Canada’s patent system include excess claim fees and limits on office actions which will lay the groundwork for patent term adjustments.
March 3, 2021
Model of a human brain photographed in an anatomy lab.

A Closer Look: CAFC Finds Immersion Photography Claims Are Obvious

Fed Cir, 2019-1927: The CAFC overturned a finding of non-obviousness by the US Patent Trial and Appeal Board on a patent owned by Melanoscan, LLC.
February 16, 2021
Close-up photograph of server with multiple ethernet cords plugged in

Patent Appeal Board Rules Choueifaty Patent Application to Be Patentable

PAB 1556: Canada’s Patent Appeal Board reconsidered Mr. Choueifaty’s patent application for a computer-implemented method of managing portfolio assets.
December 2, 2020
Close-up photograph of a fountain pen writing words in ink on paper.

Written Description Particularly Important if Amending Claims in Response to Competitor

Fed. Cir. 2018-1779: A patent for testing fetal DNA was found to be unpatentable because the claims were not fully supported by the written description.
November 2, 2020
Photograph of eyeglasses focusing on a computer screen displaying software code.

After Choueifaty: A New Test for Examining Software Inventions in Canada

Andrew Currier and Stephen Perry review best practices for drafting software patents to global standards and propose a new test for examining software inventions in Canada.
June 18, 2020
Photograph of a red hockey net on the ice of an outdoor skating rink.

Federal Court Clarifies the Admissibility of Patent Prosecution History

In a patent infringement case between two major ice skate manufacturers, the Federal Court clarified s. 53.1 and the admissibility of prosecution history.
April 3, 2020
An empty boardroom.

COVID-19: Time Extensions for Patents & Trademarks in North America

In this article, we explain how the intellectual property offices in Canada and the United States are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
December 16, 2019
Photo of the Raptors NBA logo on the court of Scotiabank arena

Clawing Deeper into the Monster v. Raptors Trademark Battle

The Raptors are tipping off against Monster, who allege the Raptors trademark featuring a clawed-up basketball is confusingly similar to the Monster "M".
September 20, 2019
Macro (close-up) photo of a hazel coloured human eye, eyelashes, and eyelid.

Allergan’s Glaucoma Patents Saved by “Wherein” Clauses

CAFC 2018-2207 – The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that “wherein” clauses in patent claims can be limiting if they are material to patentability.
September 13, 2019
Fibre optic cable photographed in the dark

Patent Specification Interpreted as Admission of Common General Knowledge

2019 FC 1065 – Canada's Federal Court ruled that two fiber optics patents were obvious in light of an admission made in the background sections.
August 23, 2019
A busnisess's empty board room with desk chairs and a table.

What Can Businesses Expect From the US Patent Reforms?

A draft bill released May 22nd proposes significant reforms to section 101 of the US Patent Act. Businesses should be aware of the commercial impact.
August 16, 2019
A statue of Lady Justice.

US Supreme Court Lifts Ban on Profane Trademarks

SCOTUS, No. 18-302 (Iancu v Brunetti): In a recent decision, the US Supreme Court abolished the longstanding ban on registering vulgar and offensive words as trademarks.
July 22, 2019
Photo of a contract or license being signed.

Despite Contract, License Holder Cannot Sue for Patent Infringement: CAFC

CAFC warns that the distinction between assignment and license cannot be determined by “formalities or magic words.”
July 18, 2019
Mail, Postal service

US Postal Service Prohibited from Challenging Mail Sorting Patent

SCOTUS blocked US Postal Service from using proceedings under the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (“AIA”) to avoid litigation and invalidate a US Patent.