On May 7, 2025, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued a pivotal decision in Ingenico Inc. v. IOENGINE, LLC that significantly narrows the scope of inter partes review (IPR) estoppel under 35 U.S.C. §315(e)(2). The court clarified that IPR estoppel does not apply to invalidity arguments based on product prior […]
The world of finance is on the verge of a technological upheaval. At the heart of this transformation lies quantum computing—a force so powerful that it threatens to dismantle traditional encryption systems that protect everything from digital payments to global banking networks. As this quantum revolution gathers pace, one critical question emerges: Are we patenting […]
In a fast-moving innovation landscape, intellectual property is a make-or-break factor for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Unitary Patent, launched by the European Patent Office (EPO) in June 2023, is tailored to the needs of European SMEs—offering centralized protection across multiple EU countries at reduced complexity and cost. This article delves deep into the […]
In a landmark decision on April 18, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit addressed the patent eligibility of artificial intelligence (AI) inventions under 35 U.S.C. § 101 in the case of Recentive Analytics, Inc. v. Fox Corp. This ruling has significant implications for AI innovators, patent practitioners, and businesses navigating the […]
The European Patent Office (EPO) has released its 2024 Patent Index, revealing a significant surge in patent applications related to battery technologies and sustainable energy. This trend underscores the growing global emphasis on clean energy solutions and the pivotal role of innovation in this sector. Key Highlights from the EPO’s 2024 Patent Index 1. Unprecedented […]
LThe AI revolution is unfolding rapidly, and generative AI is at its very heart. One of the most telling signs of this shift? The dramatic increase in patent filings related to generative AI technologies. At the forefront of this race is none other than Google. According to a recent Axios report, Google has filed over […]
Innovation is the backbone of progress, but in many industries, dense webs of overlapping patents—known as patent thickets—can stifle competition, slow technological advancements, and create legal uncertainties. For startups and smaller firms, navigating these patent thickets is crucial to avoid litigation and to establish a competitive edge. This article explores what patent thickets are, how […]
Why Use Patent Analytics to Identify Technological Trends? Patent data serves as a rich repository of technical knowledge and innovation activity. Here’s why it’s invaluable for trend analysis: Early Signals of Innovation Most groundbreaking technologies are patented before they reach the market. Patent filings offer early indicators of emerging innovations. Comprehensive Coverage Patent databases provide […]
When it comes to understanding the patent landscape, patent citations are a game-changer. They may seem like just another part of a patent document, but these references play a crucial role in ensuring search accuracy and assessing the patentability of an invention. Let’s dive into what patent citations are, why they matter, and how you […]
Why Is a Comprehensive Prior Art Search Crucial? An incomplete search can lead to unexpected legal and financial risks. Here’s why a meticulous search is non-negotiable: Reduces Risk of Rejection Patent examiners use prior art to assess novelty and inventive steps. Identifying potential overlaps early can help you refine your application. Saves Time and Money […]