CPD Course: The Real, Dramatic and Ongoing Changes to United States Patent Law

Speaker

Professor Dennis Crouch, University of Missouri and Author of the Patently-O Patent Law Blog

Seminar 1

Changes in the Way Patents are Prosecuted in the US

Seminar 2

US Patent Litigation Structure and Changes to the Process

Seminar 3

Litigation, Administrative Style; Subject Matter Eligibility 

Accredited with 6 CPD hours by the SRA and BSB

About this course

The U.S. Patent system is in the midst of major changes. In late 2011, President Barack Obama enacted the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) – legislation that has rightfully been identified as the greatest single modification to the U.S. patent system since the modern Patent Act was signed into law in 1952. Some provisions in the new law have already become effective, others will take effect in the coming months, and the full impact of the reforms may not be known for years to come. Meanwhile courts have also been shaping the law. Over the past year, the US Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) have collectively issued hundreds of precedential decisions covering virtually every aspect of patent law. Meanwhile, the US Patent Office continues to modify its processes and structure its newfound power under the AIA.This course addressed these recent major events and their impact on procurement, litigation, and monetization of patent rights. In parallel, it highlighted practical empirical results that suggest “evidence based strategies” for addressing specific client concerns.