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Full-Text Articles in Law
Reducing The Need For Markman Determinations, 4 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 53 (2004), Robert H. Resis
Reducing The Need For Markman Determinations, 4 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 53 (2004), Robert H. Resis
UIC Review of Intellectual Property Law
The uncertainty as to whether claim interpretation decisions will survive appeal is an ever growing concern as the Federal Circuit’s reversal rate of lower court claim interpretations averages fifty percent. At a minimum, uncertainty in claim construction prolongs patent infringement disputes. Moreover, the reality is that many times it is the uncertainty of a claim’s scope and meaning that leads to litigation in the first place. In order to alleviate this stress on patentees, competitors and the federal court system, most if not all questions regarding the scope and meaning of claim terms should be clarified by the applicant during …
Developments In Patent Law 2004, 4 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 1 (2004), Harold C. Wegner
Developments In Patent Law 2004, 4 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 1 (2004), Harold C. Wegner
UIC Review of Intellectual Property Law
There are a great number of patent law doctrines that are currently under reconsideration by the Federal Circuit. These doctrines include patent claim construction under the 2006 Phillips case, the problem of foreign activity being used as patent-defeating prior art as shown in the recent Elsner case, the growing challenge of extraterritorial acts as patent infringement as presented in the 2004 expected cases of Blackberry and Eolas, the “Rule 105” implications for patent office practice in Sta Fruits, the change in willful infringement law set forth in the recent KnorrBremse case, the continuing problem of co-inventorship recurring in Xechem, the …
The Accidental And Inherent Anticipation Doctrines: Where Do We Stand And Where Are We Going?, 4 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 63 (2004), Anne Brown, Mark Polyakov
The Accidental And Inherent Anticipation Doctrines: Where Do We Stand And Where Are We Going?, 4 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 63 (2004), Anne Brown, Mark Polyakov
UIC Review of Intellectual Property Law
It is often unclear when a prior occurrence or disclosure of a claimed invention falls under the patent law doctrines of inherent or accidental anticipation. Courts have applied various tests in determining whether anticipation is inherent or accidental, and the cases are difficult to reconcile. Tests seemingly dispositive to establish an accident in one case may also appear dispositive to establish inherency. As a result of our analysis, we have developed a two-step test that can be used to reconcile the two doctrines and determine whether a product or process anticipates. The first prong is concerned with whether the prior …
"Distinctive" And "Famous" - Separate Requirements Under The Federal Trademark Dilution Act?, 3 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 174 (2004), M. Scott Donahey
"Distinctive" And "Famous" - Separate Requirements Under The Federal Trademark Dilution Act?, 3 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 174 (2004), M. Scott Donahey
UIC Review of Intellectual Property Law
The Federal Trademark Dilution Act was promulgated to provide national protection of famous marks from uses that cause dilution of the distinctive quality of the mark. Courts consider several factors in determining whether a mark is “distinctive and famous.” However, a difference of opinion has arisen as to whether there is a difference between a “distinctive” mark and a “famous” mark. An analysis of the statutory language, pertinent historical sources, and the case law interpreting the statute leads one to conclude that the view articulated by the Second Circuit is more consistent with the language of the statute, the intent …
The Inequitable Conduct Defense Lives On: 2003 Federal Circuit Decisions And Their Impact, 3 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 189 (2004), Alan M. Kowalchyk, Thomas R. Johnson
The Inequitable Conduct Defense Lives On: 2003 Federal Circuit Decisions And Their Impact, 3 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 189 (2004), Alan M. Kowalchyk, Thomas R. Johnson
UIC Review of Intellectual Property Law
The inequitable conduct defense remains a viable defense in patent litigation today, as illustrated in four 2003 Federal Circuit decisions. Though an alleged patent infringer must establish the elements of materiality and intent for a valid inequitable conduct defense, recent Federal Circuit decisions indicate that certain factual underpinnings bearing on materiality can raise an inference of intent. To most effectively counter this inference of intent, a plausible explanation for the questioned conduct should be provided by the patentee. However, in providing such plausible explanation, the patentee runs the risk of waiving privileged communications, which in turn may result in far …
Commentary: Willful Patent Infringement And The Federal Circuit's Pending En Banc Decision In Knorr-Bremse V. Dana Corp., 3 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 218 (2004), Janice M. Mueller
Commentary: Willful Patent Infringement And The Federal Circuit's Pending En Banc Decision In Knorr-Bremse V. Dana Corp., 3 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 218 (2004), Janice M. Mueller
UIC Review of Intellectual Property Law
The Federal Circuit’s recent sua sponte grant of rehearing en banc in Knorr-Bremse v. Dana Corporation has catalyzed a vocal debate concerning the nature and consequences of willful patent infringement. Subject to virtually unanimous condemnation is the Federal Circuit’s “adverse inference” rule, which forces a party accused of willful infringement to choose between two unpalatable options: (i) disclosing privileged advice of counsel to mount a willfulness defense, or (ii) not disclosing such information and being subjected to an adverse inference that an exculpatory opinion was not or could not be obtained. This commentary concurs that the adverse inference rule should …
Developments In Patent Law 2003, 3 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 229 (2004), Bradley C. Wright
Developments In Patent Law 2003, 3 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 229 (2004), Bradley C. Wright
UIC Review of Intellectual Property Law
The year 2003 provided a great deal of legislative, administrative and judicial activity in the development of patent law. Legislation has been directed to amending the Hatch-Waxman Act and abrogation of State immunity from patent infringement. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has adopted changes pursuant to recent amendments to the Patent Cooperation Treaty and implemented an electronic filing system for patent applications. The Federal Trade Commission has taken an interest in patents, particularly standard setting technologies. In light of the Supreme Court’s decision in Festo, the Federal Circuit has provided additional guidance for prosecution history estoppel and the doctrine …
Recent Developments In Trademark Law: The Ongoing Refinement Of Rights, 3 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 258 (2004), Chad Doellinger
Recent Developments In Trademark Law: The Ongoing Refinement Of Rights, 3 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 258 (2004), Chad Doellinger
UIC Review of Intellectual Property Law
The year 2003 saw a great deal of activity in the ongoing development of trademark law. While the law both reconnected with its bricks-and-mortar roots and expanded to accommodate new fact patterns in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, 2003 saw the beginning of a doctrinal contraction, with a requirement to tie inchoate harms to empirical foundations. Additionally, several issues of first impression were resolved, including the conclusion that domain names are a form of property. While 2003 saw a contraction of trademark rights, this is not necessarily a negative development for trademark owners. Instead, courts are merely refining the …
“Shamnesty” Vs. Amnesty: Can The Riaa Grant Immunity To File-Sharers From Copyright Infringement Lawsuits?, 3 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 279 (2004), Natosha Cuyler-Sherman
“Shamnesty” Vs. Amnesty: Can The Riaa Grant Immunity To File-Sharers From Copyright Infringement Lawsuits?, 3 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 279 (2004), Natosha Cuyler-Sherman
UIC Review of Intellectual Property Law
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the industry trade association for sound and music recordings and represents various music companies, songwriters, and music artists. One of the main functions of the RIAA is to enforce its members’ copyrights. The RIAA is currently representing members in copyright infringement lawsuits. As an alternative to being sued, the RIAA announced that it would grant amnesty to file sharers who voluntarily identified themselves and promised to stop illegally sharing music. In reality, non-RIAA members and even RIAA members themselves can still sue file sharers because the organization itself does not have the …
“Intellectual Alchemy”: Securitization Of Intellectual Property As An Innovative Form Of Alternative Financing, 3 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 307 (2004), John M. Gabala Jr.
“Intellectual Alchemy”: Securitization Of Intellectual Property As An Innovative Form Of Alternative Financing, 3 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 307 (2004), John M. Gabala Jr.
UIC Review of Intellectual Property Law
While asset-securitization has been around since the early 1980’s, prior to the now widely known structuring of musician David Bowie’s music catalogue into saleable bonds in 1997, music royalties and copyrights were never before used in a securitization. At the time, Bowie’s catalogue had a proven royalty track record; however, the valuation of the actual bonds remained untested in the illegal music-downloading era of today. This comment explores the benefits of intellectual property-based securitizations and their common valuation approaches. In addition, it is argued that appropriate credit enhancements should be employed to protect future Bowie bond style deals against the …
What A Long, Strange “Trips” It’S Been: Compulsory Licensing From The Adoption Of Trips To The Agreement On Implementation Of The Doha Declaration, 3 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 331 (2004), Mark C. Lang
UIC Review of Intellectual Property Law
Startling numbers of people die every day because they do not have access to essential medicines and treatment for diseases such as HIV/AIDS, particularly in Africa and Asia. The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) was established by the World Trade Organization (WTO) to set a minimum level of protection of intellectual property rights across international borders, as well as promote and protect the welfare of humanity. This Comment reviews the history of the TRIPS Agreement, including the most recent adoption of the WTO relating to the issuance of compulsory licenses. Specifically, this Comment suggests that the …
Dividing The (Statutory) Baby Under Anton/Bauer: Using The Doctrine Of Implied License To Circumvent § 271(C) Protection For Components Of A Patented Combination, 3 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 355 (2004), Daniel M. Lechleiter
UIC Review of Intellectual Property Law
In proscribing contributory infringement of patents, § 271(c) of Title 35 of the United States Code unambiguously provides statutory protection for certain unpatented components of patented combinations and certain unpatented materials or apparatuses used in patented processes. The doctrine of implied license provides a viable defense against claims of contributory infringement. Such a finding may result from a variety of related doctrines, such as the exhaustion doctrine or the doctrine of equitable estoppel. However, unlike the Supreme Court’s application of the former doctrine in Dawson Chemical Co. v. Rohm & Haas Co., involving an unpatentedchemical used in a patented process, …
Navigating The Bramble Bush In Idea Submission Cases, 4 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 36 (2004), Lisa Pearson
Navigating The Bramble Bush In Idea Submission Cases, 4 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 36 (2004), Lisa Pearson
UIC Review of Intellectual Property Law
Today’s law of idea submissions is a proverbial bramble bush for a variety of reasons. Both the legal theories of recovery and the viability of such claims differ widely from state to state. In addition, notwithstanding the vast body of idea-submission law, there are still many open issues. These complex, fact-specific cases still manage to ensnare plaintiffs and defendants alike in years of litigation. As such, finding one’s way through the bramble bush to defend against idea submission claims is a daunting task. This article provides a map designed to help the litigator navigate the thicket. Following the trail is …
Trademark Surveys: Development Of Computer-Based Survey Methods, 4 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 91 (2004), Robert H. Thornburg
Trademark Surveys: Development Of Computer-Based Survey Methods, 4 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 91 (2004), Robert H. Thornburg
UIC Review of Intellectual Property Law
Courts have continually utilized surveys to show evidence of secondary meaning, genericness, dilution, and functionality in trademark litigation. In conducting a trademark survey, an expert must consider various factors that may affect the admissibility of the survey in court, including assuring the correct universe of respondents are questioned, implementing controls, and verifying the results. In light of these considerations, as well as the ever-changing environment of consumer shopping, the manner and mode of survey that a court accepts as appropriate must adapt to these conditions. The use and acceptance of online and computer-based surveys is not currently well received by …
Football's Intellectual Side: The Nfl Versus Super Bowl Parties And The Story Of The Fifty-Five Inch Television, 4 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 125 (2004), Michael M. Fenwick
Football's Intellectual Side: The Nfl Versus Super Bowl Parties And The Story Of The Fifty-Five Inch Television, 4 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 125 (2004), Michael M. Fenwick
UIC Review of Intellectual Property Law
The increasing popularity of the National Football League’s Super Bowl Championship has spawned an increasing number of private parties, some that employ projection-screen televisions measuring up to twenty feet diagonally. Only days before the 2004 Super Bowl, the NFL sent cease-and-desist letters to a number of business proprietors claiming display of the broadcast on televisions larger than fifty-five inches diagonally violated the NFL’s rights under 17 U.S.C. § 110(5). This Comment will show that because 17 U.S.C. § 110(5) was written to protect authors within the music industry, its application to broadcast television fails because of television’s fundamentally different business …
When Politics Interfere With Patent Reexamination, 4 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 160 (2004), Amy L. Magas
When Politics Interfere With Patent Reexamination, 4 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 160 (2004), Amy L. Magas
UIC Review of Intellectual Property Law
Reexamination was created to reconfirm the presumed validity of a patent without requiring the patentee to endure the expense of litigation. The Patent Act allows anyone to request reexamination of a patent based on newly discovered prior art. Upon finding that the request raises a substantial new question of patentability, the Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office may order reexamination. Even if a request is not made, the Director may sua sponte order a reexamination. Such reexaminations are only initiated when questions of public policy arise and there is no interest by any other pson. However, in …
Does David Need A New Sling? Small Entities Face A Costly Barrier To Patent Protection, 4 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 184 (2004), Jeff A. Ronspies
Does David Need A New Sling? Small Entities Face A Costly Barrier To Patent Protection, 4 J. Marshall Rev. Intell. Prop. L. 184 (2004), Jeff A. Ronspies
UIC Review of Intellectual Property Law
The cost of enforcing patent rights is discouraging the small-entity inventor from seeking out patent protection. The United States Patent and Trademark Office favors the “small entity” by reducing fees, but the world of infringement litigation offers no such discount. For the small entity, the costs related to asserting or defending its patent rights against a well-funded adversary often exceed the benefits of patent ownership. These inventors, in weighing the high costs of patent protection against the potential profits, may simply choose to not patent their innovations. Such a decision would deprive the public of the invention’s disclosure and ultimately …