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Federal Circuit: Unreachable Coinventor = Invalid Patent—Strict Construction of 35 U.S.C. Section 256(b) in Fortress Iron v. Digger Specialties

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit solidified patent law on April 2, 2026: when a coinventor cannot be lo...

2026.04.10

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IP News

European Patent Office Implements 5% Fee Increase Effective April 1—Reflects Surge in AI and Semiconductor Filings

The European Patent Office implemented official fee increases effective April 1, 2026, marking its first substantial rev...

2026.04.10

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IP News

Nintendo’s Character-Summon Patent Rejected in Full: All 26 USPTO Claims Refused

In November 2025, USPTO Director John A. Squiers issued a Director-Initiated Reexamination order against Nintendo's pate…

2026.04.10

パテント探偵社編集部

Patent Updates

Huawei Leads Wi-Fi 7 Patent Race—Commanding SEP Position Across Consumer Electronics

Huawei Leads Wi-Fi 7 Patent Race—Commanding SEP Position Across Consumer ElectronicsA 2026 patent analytics study reveal...

2026.04.09

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IP News

Five AI Leaders Launch Shared AI License Foundation (SAIL) with 33,000 Foundation Model Patents

Five AI Leaders Launch Shared AI License Foundation (SAIL) with 33,000 Foundation Model PatentsAnthropic, IBM, Meta, Mic...

2026.04.09

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IP News

Federal Circuit Rejects Information Exchange Patent — Abstract Ideas on Generic Computers Remain Ineligible

Federal Circuit affirms PTAB rejection of McFadden's information exchange system patent. Claim lacks inventive concept despite algorithmic descriptions. Critical implications for SaaS, FinTech, and business model patent strategy.

2026.04.09

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Patent Updates

U.S. Justice Department Supports SEP Holder in Samsung-Netlist FRAND Dispute — Antitrust Violation Does Not Follow From Breach of Licensing Obligation

The DOJ files statement of interest in Samsung's antitrust counterclaims against Netlist, drawing a critical legal distinction between FRAND breach and antitrust liability. Implications for SEP licensing strategy and future tech industry disputes.

2026.04.09

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IP News

USPTO’s IPR Institution Rate Crisis — Plummeting from 65% to 37% in Seven Months

The USPTO's Inter Partes Review institution rate has collapsed from approximately 65% in October 2024 to 37% by February 2026. Director Squires' policy shifts fundamentally reshape patent litigation strategy. What patent holders and challengers need to know.

2026.04.09

パテント探偵社編集部

IP News

Amazon’s Spring 2026 Robotics Research Call — How External Funding Programs Feed a Patent Intake Cycle Built Since the Kiva Acquisition

An analysis of Amazon's Spring 2026 Robotics Research Awards call. Examining the 28-fold expansion of Amazon's warehouse automation patent portfolio since the Kiva acquisition and the structural role external research funding plays as an IP intake mechanism.

2026.04.09

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IP News

The ‘io’ Trademark Dispute That Derailed OpenAI’s AI Hardware Launch — What It Reveals About IP Strategy for Tech Giants Entering Hardware

OpenAI and Jony Ive's 'io' AI device was delayed to 2027 and the brand name abandoned following a Ninth Circuit trademark ruling. An analysis of the iyO v. IO Products dispute and the IP preemption strategy considerations for AI companies entering the hardware market.

2026.04.09

パテント探偵社編集部

Trademark Updates