FedCircuitBlog

Here is an update on recent activity at the Supreme Court in cases decided by the Federal Circuit. This week the Court granted certiorari in a veterans case that raises questions regarding equitable tolling and retroactive disability benefits. The Court also requested the Solicitor General file a brief expressing the views of the United States in a patent case raising a question regarding standing to challenge the validity of patents. Additionally, three new petitions were filed with the Court: two in cases appealing decisions from the Merit Systems Protection Board and one in a patent case. Moreover, one amicus brief was submitted in a patent case; three briefs in opposition were filed in trade, employment, and veterans cases; one waiver of right to respond was filed in a patent case; three petitions were denied; and one petition was dismissed. Here are the details.

Here is an update on recent activity at the Supreme Court in cases decided by the Federal Circuit. With respect to the Supreme Court’s October 2021 term, since our last update the Court has not granted certiorari in any cases decided by the Federal Circuit. Three new petitions, however, have been filed with the Supreme Court: two in patent cases and one in a pro se case. Moreover, nine amicus briefs across three cases have been filed. Additionally, four waivers of right to respond, two briefs in opposition, and three replies have been filed. Here are the details.

Here is an update on recent en banc activity at the Federal Circuit in patent cases. The court received two new petitions raising questions related to assignments of patents and the non-obviousness requirement. The court also invited responses to petitions in two cases concerning the standard of review of Patent Trial and Appeal Board decisions and assignments of patents. Lastly, the court denied a petition for rehearing en banc in a case raising questions related to Appointments Clause challenges with respect to Administrative Patent Judges of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Here are the details.

This morning the Federal Circuit issued two nonprecedential opinions in patent cases appealed from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, a nonprecedential order denying a petition for writ of mandamus along with a concurring opinion by Judge Reyna, and one Rule 36 judgment. Here are the introductions to the opinions and order and a link to the Rule 36 judgment.