After being dormant for many decades, patent law has experienced substantial judicial, legislative, and administrative attention in recent years. Both the U.S. Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit have issued decisions that have changed the landscape of patent law. Congressional action in the area of patent reform has been ongoing over several legislative terms. The Patent & Trademark Office has made patent prosecution more difficult. Patentable subject matter rejections under section 101, especially in the area of process inventions, and obviousness rejections in general have become larger hurdles for an inventor to overcome in obtaining a patent. These changes have affected how patents are prosecuted. Additionally, patent infringement litigation and patent licensing have been affected.

Heidi Harvey will host a panel discussing how to adjust your practice in these challenging times.  Panelists, including Frank Porcelli, will share their strategies and practice tips to help you. From inside the patent office to inside the courtroom, this program offers you an in-depth view of the ways you need to alter your practice to adjust for the decisions that have been made and the changes on the horizon.

Benefits of Attending: 

• Learn how the Supreme Court KSR decision has changed patent prosecution practice and patent litigation in light of new nonobviousness standards
• Learn how the CAFC Bilski decision limiting patent eligible subject matter has changed patent prosecution practice and patent litigation
• Learn how recent judicial decisions have affected licensing patented technology
• Gain an up-to-the-minute overview of the state of USPTO and legislative patent reform