The full Federal Circuit will revisit the vexing question of what is patent-eligible subject matter on February 8. Several cases confront whether broadcasters’ copyrights give them control over how the shows are distributed. Plus, the IP challenges of 3D printers, a new act expands design-patent rights globally, David Kappos’ departure from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and the Twitter stars of the IP world.
A new stab at defining patentability
One of the most common complaints about the U.S. patent system is that inventors are claiming ownership of basic, widely understood ideas. No doubt aware of these criticisms, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has agreed to revisit its definition of patent-eligible subject matter in an upcoming case.
