Preload of Generic Software Precludes Finding of Substantial Transformation in U.S. When Replaced with Proprietary Software That Enhanced Functionality
Client Alert | less than 1 min read | 05.31.16
Customs and Border Protection has released its final determination concerning different versions of certain network transceivers and high speed cabling devices that require software to be functional. CBP concluded that “blank” network transceivers imported into the U.S. where proprietary software was first downloaded were substantially transformed in the U.S., whereas network transceivers already programmed with generic software when imported were not substantially transformed by subsequent replacement of the generic software with proprietary software that enhanced and broadened functionality allowing interoperability with different OEM systems.
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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).
Client Alert | 5 min read | 11.26.25
Client Alert | 6 min read | 11.25.25
Brussels Court Clarifies the EU’s SPC Manufacturing Waiver Regulation Rules
Client Alert | 3 min read | 11.24.25
