Other in Barks & Bites this week: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is soliciting public comment on its latest strategic plan and releasing information about a pilot program that will help reduce the gender gap in patenting. Texas-based technology files lawsuit against Reebok alleging patent infringement. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is proposing new rules to eliminate non-compete clauses. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced that it has convicted a former GE engineer of conspiracy to steal trade secrets.
Part-Time Job
USPTO Seeks Public Comment on Strategic Plan
On Friday, January 6, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced that it is seeking comments on its proposed strategic plan for 2022-2026. The five goals of this plan are: Facilitates efficient delivery of trusted intellectual property (IP) rights. Help protect IP against new and persistent threats. Bring innovation to positive impact. Create impactful employee and customer experiences by maximizing agency operations. ” Comments must be sent by email. [email protected] Until January 31, 2023.
CAFC Confirms PTAB Interference Determination
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC), in a prior opinion issued Friday, January 6, upheld the Patent Trial Board’s decision in the interference litigation giving priority to Agilent Technologies, Inc. over Dionex Softron GmbH Did. The parties disputed priority, claim construction, support for written description, conception, and return to practice. The CAFC has confirmed all issues.
FTC Proposes Rule Banning Non-Compete Clauses
On Thursday, Jan. 5, the FTC proposed a new rule prohibiting employers from using non-compete clauses against workers. In a statement, the FTC said non-compete clauses “are a pervasive and often exploitative practice that stifles wages, stifles innovation and prevents entrepreneurs from starting new businesses.” . Agencies estimate that the new rules could increase wages by $300 billion annually as companies are encouraged to do more to retain workers. The proposed rule change is now open for public comment.
USPTO Announces Closing Gender Gap in Patents
On Wednesday, January 4, the USPTO announced that a pilot program to help patent applicants without legal representation has narrowed the gender gap in patent filings. The USPTO has evaluated the program’s first randomized controlled trial in a working paper. The authors of this paper found that “additional communication during patent prosecution is an effective way to improve patent prosecution outcomes for prose applicants, especially women.” Although the pilot program benefited both male and female applicants, the authors found that if a woman participated in the trial, she was 11% more likely to get a patent.
Meta Loses Bid To Dismiss Copyright Lawsuit Over Facebook Ads
On Wednesday, January 4, a U.S. District Court ruled against Meta in an attempt to dismiss a lawsuit from an artist who accused Facebook of infringing the artist’s copyright. His sculptor, JL Cook, has accused Facebook of posting counterfeit ads on its platform that violate copyright law. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that in this case, Meta has no right to DMCA safe his harbor. Cook claims Facebook allows targeted advertising campaigns to sell counterfeits of her and other artists’ work.
Ex-engineer jailed for two years in trade secret case
On Tuesday, January 3, the DOJ sentenced a former GE Power engineer to two years in prison for conspiring to conduct economic espionage. Xiaoqing Zheng, a 59-year-old man, was found to have tried to steal trade secrets from General Electric after he worked for General Electric from 2008 until 2018. Stealing his GE trade secrets related to ground- and air-based turbine technology. “This is a classic case of economic espionage. Mr. Zheng abused trust, betrayed his employer, and colluded with the Chinese government to steal innovative U.S. technology,” said the Justice Department’s National Security Agency. Department Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen said.
Burks
USPTO Updates Trademark ID Manual To Include Green Tech
On Wednesday, January 4th, the UPSTO added new terms to its Trademark ID Manual covering green technology goods and services. This will allow more trademark applicants who offer eco-friendly technology to use his TEAS Plus to file, resulting in lower fees. The list includes 75 terms so far and is part of the organization’s broader efforts to address climate change.
Reebok sues over 3D customizable shoe patent
On Wednesday, January 4th, Etto IP LLC filed a lawsuit alleging that Reebok infringed a patent related to 3D technology used to customize shoes. The USPTO granted his patent in question to an Israeli inventor in 2014, and Etto IP is seeking a jury trial in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas.
CAFC Agrees With District Court In Patent Litigation For Freezer Warehouse
On Tuesday, January 3, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) upheld the district court’s decision in the freezer warehouse patent litigation. Tippmann Engineering sued, alleging that Innovative Refrigeration Systems infringed one of its patents related to cold storage technology. However, the judge was unconvinced by Tipman’s argument and ruled it “not persuasive.”
Biotech and Big Pharma Submit Briefs to Amicus to Support Amgen
On Tuesday, January 3, several biotech and pharmaceutical companies including Bavarian Nordic, Biogen, Bristol Myers, Merck & Co. and 3M filed legal counsel in support of Amgen in the Supreme Court case against Sanofi. In their brief, the companies wrote: “The Federal Circuit’s class claim validation standard is erroneous as a matter of law and detrimental to the innovation process.” The lawsuit was filed against Amgen, the company that filed the lawsuit against
wall street this week
Southwest predicts heavy losses after cancellation meltdown
On Friday, January 6, Southwest Airlines revised its forecast for the fourth quarter from a strong profit to a net loss after massive holiday cancellations cost the company an estimated $825 million. bottom. Southwest Airlines stock plunged 10% after a holiday meltdown that left passengers stranded across the country.
Hackers steal 200 million email addresses from Twitter
On Wednesday, January 4, Alon Gal, co-founder of Israeli cybersecurity monitoring firm Hudson Rock, revealed on LinkedIn that hackers stole 200 million email addresses from Twitter. Gal called the incident “he’s one of the most significant leaks I’ve seen.”
Image Source: Deposit Photo
Image ID: 36527387
Author: Hanna Maria
