Update: Patent Reform Act of 2007

The ascendency of patent litigation over the past few decades — in Delaware and elsewhere — neatly tracks the United States’s broader shift to an information economy and the increasing value that companies place on intellectual property. As with other areas of the law (e.g., securities), a spike in litigation often provokes a congressional response.

Is 2007 the Year for Patent Reform?

Conventional wisdom has it that the Patent Reform Act of 2006 is all but dead for the year. But the bipartisan measure, introduced to reform the examination process, among others, may see new life in the coming congressional session, Patently-O reported yesterday. According to one source, there will be a renewed push in 2007 to

“Pilot” Patent Court Legislation Passes House

Late last week, the House of Representatives gave its assent to an experimental program designed to “encourage enhancement of expertise in patent cases among district judges.” H.R. 5418, now pending in the Senate, would authorize the director of the Administrative Office of the Courts to designate at least five district courts in three or more

Trademark and Copyright Bills Readied for Presidential Approval

In the latest AIPLA Report (sorry, AIPLA membership is required to read the article), it was reported that the House of Representatives agreed to a Senate amendment regarding H.R. 683 (trademark dilution) and H.R. 1036 (copyright), clearing the bills for White House approval. A copy of H.R. 683 is available here . H.R. 683’s changes