The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, unlike the 12 other Circuit Courts of Appeals, hears cases from across the nation, where the subject matter falls within its legislative mandate, including patents and several other important areas of the law. See 28 U.S. Code §1295. A case may be appealed to the Federal Circuit from any district court, as well as other special courts and some administrative agencies, including the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. See id.

The judges of the Federal Circuit are appointed by the President, upon advice and consent of the Senate and they serve for life. See U.S. Const. art. II, §2; art. III, §2. There are 12 judges in active service, as well as some eligible senior judges handling fewer cases. The current chief judge is Sharon Prost.

Federal Appellate Rules and Federal Circuit Rules