U.S. Patent Reform (Part II): The U.S. Version of Oppositions - Understanding Post-Grant Review

The America Invents Act (AIA) brings several significant changes to the U.S. patent system. One of the changes that presents opportunities for European practitioners to align patent challenge strategies in the U.S. and in Europe is the creation of the U.S. post-grant review proceeding (PGR). Like a European Opposition proceeding, a PGR allows a third party to challenge a patent within nine months of grant via a broad arsenal of validity bases. However, many of the similarities end there.

Please join our panel as they discuss the implications and nuances of the U.S. post-grant review proceeding and how it compares to the European Opposition proceeding. The panel will cover:

• An overview of the requirements for initiating a PGR, as well as strategies for preparing a successful petition to institute;

• PGR procedures and the standards of proof;

• The legal and “practical” estoppels effects of a PGR decision; and

• Strategies for when a PGR may be an attractive option.

This webinar is the fourth in Finnegan’s 2011-2012 series, “Strategic U.S. Patent Series for European Counsel.” We hope you are able to attend.

Speakers:

Michele C. Bosch
Anthony C. Tridico, Ph.D.
Martin D. Hyden

Date:
Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Time:

1:00 p.m. EST