Posts by boylefredricks

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently rescinded a controversial patent regulations package concerning continuation and continuation-in-part application practice, originally published in August 2007, but never enacted. Echoing the sentiment of many patent applicants who felt the so-called “final rules” unduly restricted inventors’ capacity to protect intellectual property, USPTO director David Kappos signed an…

Businesses looking to cut costs are increasingly seeking a better bargain when hiring outside counsel. Locally based companies like the Marcus Corporation and Briggs & Stratton are exploring partnerships with small and mid-size law firms in an effort to save money without sacrificing quality. “I think during these economic times, businesses are looking at expenses…

The Lang Companies, a Delafield, Wisconsin-based business, sets the standard in calendars, cards and home décor products based around exceptional Americana and folk-oriented art, has received intellectual property support from Boyle Fredrickson shareholders John P. Fredrickson, Mathew E. Corr and others since 2002. According to Fredrickson, it’s rewarding to serve a client that has such…

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has grown in the past 20 years, yet added dollars and staff at the agency charged with managing the patent system has not lessened the time required to receive a patent. In fact, the average pendency has increased substantially, according to attorney Robert Fieseler, writing in the April…

The U.S. Supreme Court recently agreed to hear an important case concerning the scope of patentable subject matter. After reviewing Bilski v. Doll, the nation’s highest court agreed to consider whether the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit erred by holding that a “process” can be patented only if it is tied to a…

The current economic climate has companies and their attorneys working harder than ever to protect intellectual property without breaking the bank. Indeed, companies must work more closely than ever with their IP counsel to manage their IP during these trying times. Adam L. Brookman recently joined Briggs & Stratton counsel Ken Lemke in a May…