On February 5, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) held its en banc oral argument to reconsider the obviousness test for design patents. Overall, the many judges’ questions indicated a hesitancy to change the current law, as they expressed concern with positions advanced by the patent challenger. Listening to the argument, it became instantly clear that the designer’s voice was missing from the arguments of both parties. The judges had deeply probing and important questions that need the input of a design professional. As an experienced design professional, I penned this article to highlight the designer’s voice by providing answers to several critical questions posed by the court during oral argument.
Recent Posts
- Other Barks & Bites for Friday, July 11: EGC Affirms Annulment of Rubik’s Cube Marks; Sysco Trade Secret Case Dismissal Affirmed by Fourth Circuit; and EU Advocate General Finds Member States Can Impose Measures to Protect News Content on Meta Platforms
- EU Publishes Code of Practice as Deadline for AI Act’s Provisions on General-Purpose AI Models Nears
- Will the Federal Circuit Finally Follow Supreme Court Holdings on the Unavailability of the Laches Defense?
- CAFC Upholds Win for Janssen on Patent for Antipsychotic Med Dosing Regimen
- IP Innovators – From Patent Office to Managing Partner: Chris Agrawal’s Journey