Vorys Intellectual Property Updates

In ?????????????????? ????????????., ??????. ??. ?????????? ????????????. ??????., the Federal Circuit considered: - Whether the district court correctly found personal jurisdiction over Samsung Bioepis. - Whether the district court abused its discretion in issuing a preliminary injunction by finding Samsung Bioepis did not raise a substantial question of invalidity of the ’865 patent. Read more about this decision:

March 4?- Today in history, in 1955, the first successful radio facsimile (“fax”) transmission was sent across the continent, over 100 years after the invention of the first fax machine in 1843 by Scottish mechanic, amateur clockmaker, and inventor Alexander Bain. In 1966, Xerox Corporation introduced the first fax machine that sent messages over telephone lines and by the 1980s, fax machines had revolutionized everyday communication around the world. Email had replaced most fax communication by the late 1990s, yet, surprisingly, faxing is still alive and well in 2025. Faxing is still considered by many industries, such as healthcare, as one of the most secure form for sending documents with signatures. Faxing is also evolving into new digital formats which still have a place in an increasingly electronic world. Sources: https://lnkd.in/gPbncuVD https://lnkd.in/gReft9Nx https://lnkd.in/gWXRhBMx https://lnkd.in/gsvMr-uQ Author: Kimberlee Thompson Raley, PhD, JD

We have a trio of patent cases for our next installment of The Precedent. The Federal Circuit looked at: The viability of the reverse doctrine of equivalents (RDOE) as a defense to patent infringement. Read more about this decision: https://lnkd.in/giBEajcW Challenges to the validity of a pharmaceutical patent concerning the patent’s written description, enablement and obviousness. Read more about this decision: https://lnkd.in/gbnHCt-P The Patent Trial and Appeal Board’s (PTAB) jurisdiction to conduct IPRs over expired patents under the public-rights doctrine and the proper use of expert witness testimony in IPR determinations of obviousness of patent claims. Read more about this decision: https://lnkd.in/gjMMVaPb

As we conclude our celebration of remarkable women inventors, we reflect on their incredible contributions that have shaped our world. These pioneers have broken barriers and inspired countless individuals with their innovative spirit. We want to hear from you! Vote in our poll and share your thoughts in the comments below! (Dr. Patricia Bath; Madam C. J. Walker; Bessie Blount; Dr. Esther Sans Takeuchi; Dr. Marian Rogers Croak)

This Black History Month and Women Inventor Month, we honor Dr. Marian Rogers Croak, a trailblazer in technology and patent innovation. With over 200 patents, her advancements in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology have revolutionized global communication. Dr. Croak is a strong advocate for diversity in STEM, mentoring countless individuals and promoting inclusion within the tech industry. Her contributions have earned her induction into both the National Inventors Hall of Fame and the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame. Dr. Croak's innovation and dedication to fostering diversity in STEM have left an indelible mark on the technology industry. We commend her exceptional contributions and celebrate her as an inspiration for future generations of inventors. Citations: https://lnkd.in/dUNF8uQZ https://lnkd.in/gM_Vx8Xa https://lnkd.in/gqp6hued

In honor of Women Inventors Month we spotlight Dr. Esther Sans Takeuchi and her revolutionary battery capacity technology, making her a trailblazer in the fields implantable medical devices and renewable energy. A daughter of Latvian immigrants, Takeuchi’s curiosity as an engineer persisted from her childhood in Akron, OH all the way to her PhD in organic chemistry from the Ohio State University. After arriving at the pacemaker company Greatbatch, Inc., Takeuchi was tasked with developing a compact and more powerful long-lasting battery, leading to her innovation of the lithium/silver vanadium oxide (Li/SVO) battery comprising a revolutionary cathode composed of a more stable silver vanadium oxide (SVO), extending the battery life span to almost five years. Implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) utilize these batteries, and have been adopted by over 800,000 Americans today. Takeuchi has been named in over 150 patents, receiving numerous honors including the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 2008, as well as an induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2011. Since 2012 Takeuchi serves as a distinguished professor of materials science and chemical engineering at Stony Brook University, where she hopes to inspire young women and foster collaboration amongst those of diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Sources: https://lnkd.in/d9E8ccm4 https://lnkd.in/gXZw-ryV https://lnkd.in/gt2r6Ydg Major patents 1993 https://lnkd.in/gdsNEQrM 1998 https://lnkd.in/gAcFwWHE Author: Meron Ghidey, PhD

Madam?C.J. Walker, born Sarah Breedlove in 1867 in Louisiana, is recognized for her pioneering contributions to the development of specialized hair care and cosmetic products. Although her early life was modest and her access to formal education was limited, she demonstrated notable resourcefulness in addressing a prevalent issue of the period—hair loss caused by the available treatments and prevailing hygiene practices. Walker developed an innovative formula, later marketed as “Wonderful Hair Grower,” which became the foundation of her subsequent business venture. By establishing the Madam?C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, she implemented systematic marketing strategies, including a multi-level sales approach and structured training programs for her agents. This business model not only enhanced the distribution of her products but also provided economic opportunities for the individuals involved in her sales network. Her enterprise achieved significant commercial success and is frequently noted as a landmark example of self-made entrepreneurship. Although she was not a profilic inventor herself, her company was innovative and she employed many inventors such as Marjorie Stewart Joyner (e.g., US Pat No.: 1,693,515). Walker’s legacy continues to be influential within the hair care industry, and her methods in product development and business management remain subjects of scholarly interest. Furthermore, her philanthropic efforts, which supported various educational and community initiatives, underscore her enduring impact on both industry practices and social enterprise. Sources: https://lnkd.in/gdYVEmQE https://lnkd.in/g6TkjEQ https://lnkd.in/gCXtKkMt https://lnkd.in/gyziU7g

FLY EAGLES FLY! In honor of the NFL Super Bowl Champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the parade in Philadelphia today, we celebrate the IP surrounding the Big Game.?Did you know that EAGLES, NFL, SUPER BOWL, FLY EAGLES FLY and GO BIRDS* are all registered US trademarks??Did you think that the Vince Lombardi trophy is the subject of a copyright registration??THE BIG GAME is not!?? *In Philadelphia, this means GO EAGLES, and pretty much anything from thank you, hello, goodbye and you name it!?Used often at Wawa and everywhere else in the Philly region.

Did you know there’s another reason that you can find “Call Me” on those little candy hearts? On this day in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell filed an application with the USPTO titled “Improvement in Telegraphy”, which would be granted three weeks later as U.S. Patent No. 174,465. This patent is regarded as the first disclosure of the telephone, and days after the patent was granted, Mr. Bell made the first-ever telephone call to his assistant, Thomas Watson. On this Valentine’s Day, whether you are using your mobile phone to find last-minute gifts or reservations, or to even find a last-minute date, don’t forget to thank Alexander Graham Bell for 149 years of romance. Author: Timothy Petrosius, Ph.D.

Bessie Blount (1914-2009) was an inventor, disability advocate, World War II nurse, physical therapist, forensic scientist and graphologist. Born in Hickory, Virginia Blount’s education began in a one room schoolhouse built by the local Black community. However, there were no teachers nor schools available in the town for Black children after the sixth grade, so Blount taught herself and earned the equivalent of a GED. Her clear intellect and curiosity continued her through college where she attended nursing school. During the pursuit of her medical education, the United States entered World War II and Blount volunteered with the Red Cross’s Gray Ladies to provide nursing and occupational therapy to servicemen and veterans including those who had survived amputations. In addition to soldiers’ mobility obstacles, Blount found that many also faced challenges with feeding themselves- a necessary facet in both their self-esteem and independence. For nearly five years Blount designed and created an automated electric self-feeding tube that enabled veterans who are disabled to eat at their own pace independently. Despite the need and novelty of her invention, the U.S. Veterans Affairs rejected her attempts to adopt this technology. It is believed that Blount later donated the creation to France, and afterwards, dozens of new U.S. patents for assistive devices cited Blount’s creation. Building upon her feeding-tube design, Blount invented and built a portable food receptacle support, which further assisted people with a disability to better feed themselves independently. Bessie Blount received U.S. Pat. No. 2,550,554 for this invention in 1951 under her married name Bessie Griffin. After this invention, Blount went on to also invent a disposable emesis basin for use in hospitals for medical waste. Unfortunately similar to the self-feeding tube, she was unable to find interest in America for the basin and later sold the rights to a Belgian company. It is believed that Belgian hospitals today still use a model of her design. Bessie Blount went on to have a long life of innovation and service. She paired her physical therapy knowledge with insights into health effects on handwriting and published a technical paper on “medical graphology” which earned her recognition in the field of forensics. A lifelong learner, Blount was invited to train and study graphology at Scotland Yard at the age of 63, becoming the first Black woman to do so. Bessie lent her many skills and expertise to her community and operated a business analyzing pre-civil war documents including “slave papers” and Native American treatises. Bessie Blount passed away at the age of 95 in New Jersey after a memorable life spent creating, learning, and advocating for others. Author: Athena Williams