Patent Law Practice Center

Is Post-Grant Patent Review Coming to the Retail Industry?

R. David Donoghue, Partner at Holland & Knight and Practice Center Contributor, recently launched the Retail Patent Litigation blog.  In describing the blog, Donoghue writes, “Though patent litigation is relatively new to many retailers, it is a significant and growing concern for all retailers, as well as the members of the retail supply chain.  Retail Patent Litigation is a guide to help retailers understand patent litigation and how to effectively and creatively drive their individual cases to positive resolution.”  In this article, he discusses how patent reform may impact the retail industry.

As patent reform looks increasingly likely, the retail industry is beginning to look at how patent reform will impact the retail supply chain. Earlier this week, the National Retail Foundation (“NRF”)wrote to Congress supporting Section 18 of H.R. 1249 which creates a post-grant, adversary proceeding for challenging the validity of patents at the Patent Office. The NRF advocates for Section 18 as a cost-effective alternative to costly patent litigation. While post-grant review (like inter partes reexams) would likely be cheaper than district court patent litigation, Section 18 has significant draw backs. (more…)