Federal Circuit Validates ‘Secret Springing’ Prior Art in Patent Challenges:

On January 27, the Federal Circuit confirmed that unpublished patent applications filed before a challenged patent can be used as prior art in inter partes reviews by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. This decision reinforces the PTAB’s authority to consider such applications in patent validity disputes.

USAA Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Regions Bank:

On January 28, USAA initiated legal action against Regions Bank, alleging of its mobile check-deposit technology patents. This lawsuit follows previous successful patent litigations by USAA against other financial institutions. USPTO Implements Significant Patent Fee Increases: Effective January 19, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) enacted substantial fee adjustments, including a 10% increase in utility filing, examination, and search fees, and a 25% increase for each independent claim exceeding three. These changes aim to align fees with actual costs and influence applicant behavior.

USPTO Faces Operational Challenges Amid New Executive Orders:

Following executive orders issued on January 20, the USPTO is confronting challenges related to a mandated return to in-person work and a federal hiring freeze. These directives could significantly impact the agency’s predominantly remote workforce and plans to expand its examining corps. Nokia and Samsung Enter Patent License Agreement: On January 15, Nokia announced a multi-year patent license agreement with Samsung, allowing the use of Nokia’s video technologies in Samsung’s televisions. The agreement includes royalty payments from Samsung to Nokia, with specific terms remaining confidential.

CGPDTM Removes Patent Agent for Professional Misconduct:

On January 9, 2025, the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) ordered the removal of a patent agent from the Register of Patent Agents following a recommendation by an ad-hoc committee constituted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to address complaints against patent or trademark agents.

Rajya Sabha MP Urges Government to Invoke Section 100 of Patents Act:

On December 20, 2024, Rajya Sabha MP Haris Beeran wrote to the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, urging the central government to invoke Section 100(1) of the Patents Act to facilitate local production of Risdiplam, a drug used to treat Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).