State Court Patent Ownership Judgment Not Subject To Collateral Review
Client Alert | 1 min read | 02.26.07
In MyMail, Ltd. v. America Online, Inc., (No. 06-1147, -1172; February 20, 2007), the Federal Circuit affirms the district court's denial of a collateral attack on the ownership of the patent due to fraud. MyMail obtained ownership of the patent by assignment. The assignee obtained the patent application through a state court foreclosure action on a promissory note secured by the application. America Online asserts that the promissory note is fraudulent and this issue is subject to de novo review by federal courts. Distinguishing fraud relating to procurement of a patent, which bears on the enforceability, the Federal Circuit holds that fraud relating to ownership does not affect enforceability and is a state law issue. Since there is an enforceable state court judgment of ownership, that can be challenged only in limited circumstances, fraud in ownership is not subject to de novo review by federal courts.
Insights
Client Alert | 4 min read | 12.04.25
District Court Grants Preliminary Injunction Against Seller of Gray Market Snack Food Products
On November 12, 2025, Judge King in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington granted in part Haldiram India Ltd.’s (“Plaintiff” or “Haldiram”) motion for a preliminary injunction against Punjab Trading, Inc. (“Defendant” or “Punjab Trading”), a seller alleged to be importing and distributing gray market snack food products not authorized for sale in the United States. The court found that Haldiram was likely to succeed on the merits of its trademark infringement claim because the products at issue, which were intended for sale in India, were materially different from the versions intended for sale in the U.S., and for this reason were not genuine products when sold in the U.S. Although the court narrowed certain overbroad provisions in the requested order, it ultimately enjoined Punjab Trading from importing, selling, or assisting others in selling the non-genuine Haldiram products in the U.S. market.
Client Alert | 21 min read | 12.04.25
Highlights: CMS’s Proposed Rule for Medicare Part C & D (CY 2027 NPRM)
Client Alert | 11 min read | 12.01.25
