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Final Rule Requires Technical Interchange for IR&D Cost Allowability

Client Alert | 1 min read | 11.14.16

On November 4, 2016, DoD issued a final rule requiring contractors performing IR&D projects initiated in FY2017 or later to engage in a technical interchange with DoD, and report the occurrence of this interchange, before the costs for such projects may be deemed allowable (a topic previously discussed here). Although the rule is stated to be intended to promote DoD awareness of IR&D projects and provide feedback to contractors, it is likely to impose an administrative burden on contractors and DoD alike and could have a chilling effect on IR&D investment, particularly because it is silent regarding the allowability of IR&D costs if DoD fails to engage.

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Client Alert | 6 min read | 11.26.25

From ‘Second’ to ‘First:’ Federal Circuit Tackles Obvious Claim Errors

Patent claims must be clear and definite, as they set the boundaries of the patentee’s rights. Occasionally, however, claim language contains errors, such as typographical mistakes or incorrect numbering. Courts possess very limited authority to correct such errors. The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has emphasized that judicial correction is appropriate only in rare circumstances, where (1) the error is evident from the face of the patent, and (2) the proposed correction is the sole reasonable interpretation in view of the claim language, specification, and prosecution history. See Group One, Ltd. v. Hallmark Cards, Inc., 407 F.3d 1297, 1303 (Fed. Cir. 2005) and Novo Indus., L.P. v. Micro Molds Corp., 350 F.3d 1348, 1357 (Fed. Cir. 2003)....