Patent & IP Intelligence
Real-time patent litigation, ITC investigations, and patent office developments from the US, Europe, Korea, Japan, and China — curated for patent attorneys and IP professionals.
Align Technology Obtains Multi-Jurisdiction Injunction Across 17 EU Member States in Dental Patent Dispute
Align Technology secured cross-border preliminary injunctive relief across 17 European jurisdictions against a Chinese competitor in a major patent enforcement dispute over clear aligner technology.
Cross-Border Out-Licensing Volume from Chinese Biopharma Tops Record $139 Billion
Chinese biopharmaceutical companies reached an unprecedented $139.4 billion in aggregate overseas patent and technology out-licensing deal value in 2026, accounting for 58% of global biopharma licensing value.
USPTO Defends Fintiv Discretionary Denial Framework at U.S. Supreme Court Against Intel and Google
The USPTO has filed briefing advising the U.S. Supreme Court to deny certiorari petitions brought by Intel and Google contesting the Patent Trial and Appeal Board's (PTAB) Fintiv discretionary denial standard. The agency maintained that the Director possesses statutory discretion to decline IPR institution based on parallel district court litigation.
Federal Circuit Affirms Patent Ineligibility Dismissal Under Section 101 in Piranha Media v. Hulu
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Piranha Media Distribution's patent infringement action against Hulu, ruling the asserted digital media distribution claims patent-ineligible under 35 U.S.C. § 101.
Mayne Pharma Resolves Generic Imvexxy Patent Dispute in Settlement with Teva
Mayne Pharma and Teva Pharmaceuticals reached a patent infringement settlement resolving Hatch-Waxman litigation over Teva's Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for generic Imvexxy.
Dutch Court Issues Preliminary Injunction Barring Subcutaneous Keytruda Across Eight European Nations
A Dutch court issued a cross-border preliminary injunction barring the regional distribution of subcutaneous pembrolizumab (Keytruda SC) across eight European markets based on drug delivery patent claims.
Huawei and Qualcomm Sign Broad Multi-Year Patent Cross-License and Asset Transfer Agreement
Huawei and Qualcomm announced a major multi-year patent license agreement covering 5G, compute, AI, and networking portfolios. As part of the transaction, Qualcomm acquired select Huawei US patents in AI and advanced compute.
Huawei and Qualcomm Finalize Multi-Year Global Patent Licensing and AI Asset Transfer Agreement
Huawei and Qualcomm have concluded a major multi-year patent cross-licensing agreement covering key 5G telecommunication technologies. As part of the transaction, Qualcomm acquired a portfolio of Huawei's U.S. patents directed to artificial intelligence and networking.
Major IP Organizations Urge Congress to Extend USPTO Section 10 Fee-Setting Authority
AIPLA, IPO, and INTA issued a joint appeal to the Senate IP Subcommittee urging legislative renewal of the USPTO's fee-setting authority under Section 10 of the America Invents Act and addressing vacancies on advisory committees.
Merck Secures Global KRAS Oncology License from SciBrunch Therapeutics in Potential $2.13B Deal
Merck & Co. entered into an exclusive worldwide licensing and intellectual property rights agreement with China-based SciBrunch Therapeutics for its preclinical oral KRAS inhibitor SPR2015 for $400 million upfront.
Apple and Qualcomm Renew Multi-Year Global Patent Licensing Agreement
Apple and Qualcomm entered into a comprehensive renewal of their global cellular patent licensing agreement. The extension guarantees Apple continuing access to Qualcomm's foundational wireless patent portfolio.
Apple and Qualcomm Renew Multi-Year Global Patent Licensing Agreement Ahead of 2027 Expiry
Qualcomm and Apple have renewed their worldwide global patent licensing agreement ahead of schedule. The extended arrangement grants Apple prolonged access to Qualcomm's foundational wireless patent portfolio.
Qualcomm Renews Global Patent License Agreement with Apple
Qualcomm Incorporated announced the extension and renewal of its worldwide patent license agreement with Apple Inc. effective through April 1, 2027. The agreement maintains Apple's global licensing framework for Qualcomm's standard-essential and implementation patent portfolios.
IOENGINE Sues Samsung in Eastern District of Texas Over Five Mobile Connectivity Patents
IOENGINE LLC filed a patent infringement complaint in the Eastern District of Texas against Samsung Electronics, alleging unauthorized use of five portable device connectivity patents across Galaxy smartphones and tablets.
USITC Expands Authority Over Forum Selection Clauses and Section 337 Disputes
The USITC issued substantive questions to parties signaling that the Commission views its statutory trade protection mandate as superior to private forum selection clauses. The inquiry arises in an ongoing Section 337 dispute involving automotive respondent BMW.
Tech Industry Group BSA Criticizes USPTO Policy Shifts Over Sharp Rise in Discretionary IPR Denials
BSA | The Software Alliance published a formal patent policy agenda in September 2026 condemning recent USPTO administrative policies that resulted in discretionary denials for a 'substantial majority' of IPR petitions since 2025. BSA argues the agency has weakened the AIA's role as an efficient alternative to high-cost federal litigation.
Software Industry Association BSA Challenges USPTO Discretionary Denial Policy Shifts at PTAB
The Software Alliance (BSA) issued a formal patent policy agenda criticizing the USPTO's elevated rate of discretionary denials for Inter Partes Review petitions. The policy push follows a drop in PTAB institution rates that BSA argues exposes tech companies to higher litigation expenses in federal courts.
Tech Coalition BSA Criticizes USPTO Policy Shifts Over Sharply Rising PTAB Discretionary Denials
Software industry association BSA published a patent policy agenda criticizing the USPTO for dramatically curbing inter partes review institutions through discretionary denials. The group emphasized that PTAB institution rates have fallen sharply from historical 60-70% levels.
Software Trade Group Urges Reforms Over Heightened PTAB Discretionary Denials
The BSA software trade association issued a policy agenda challenging the USPTO's expanded use of discretionary denials in Inter Partes Review petitions, noting institution rates dropped significantly below historic 60-70% levels.
Software Alliance Challenges USPTO Restrictions on PTAB Post-Grant Reviews
BSA | The Software Alliance released a policy agenda challenging recent USPTO procedural changes that limit access to PTAB post-grant reviews, warning that higher petition hurdles exacerbate litigation expenses amid surging AI patent disputes.
Lumileds Sues Xiaomi in the Unified Patent Court Over LED Patents
Lumileds filed multiple patent infringement actions against Xiaomi in the European Unified Patent Court, asserting three European LED patents across Germany and France. The actions demand liability findings and injunctive remedies.
InterDigital Seeks €101.7 Million Penalty Against Disney Over Video Streaming Injunction
InterDigital requested €101.7 million ($118 million) in monetary sanctions against Disney in ongoing European patent litigation. The claim stems from alleged non-compliance with a November 2025 German court injunction concerning HDR streaming video patents.
Eastern District of Texas Jury Delivers Complete Defense Verdict for AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Ericsson, and Nokia in $436 Million Wireless Dispute
An Eastern District of Texas federal jury cleared major telecom carriers and network vendors in a consolidated $436 million patent suit brought by ASUS-affiliated licensing entities. The verdict invalidated all nine asserted claims and found the patent owners breached their FRAND licensing obligations.
Huawei and HP Inc. Enter Multi-Year Global Wi-Fi Patent Cross-Licensing Deal
Huawei and HP Inc. executed a multi-year global patent cross-licensing agreement covering computing devices and Wi-Fi standard patents. The settlement secures operational freedom for HP's computing portfolio while expanding Huawei's licensing revenue footprint.
Federal District Court Rebuffs Rule 11 Sanctions Bid in Prolific Patent Attorney Enforcement Action
A federal judge in West Texas denied Canva's renewed request for sanctions against patent attorney Isaac Rabicoff following voluntary dismissal of high-volume infringement cases, highlighting the high bar for imposing personal attorney liability.
Federal Circuit Enforces Strict Patent Marking Compliance Under Section 287 in VDPP v. Volkswagen
The Federal Circuit affirmed the dismissal with prejudice of VDPP's infringement complaint against Volkswagen, upholding attorney sanctions due to VDPP's inability to plausibly allege reasonable efforts to ensure licensee compliance with statutory patent marking.
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation into Mobile Electronic Devices Based on Six Asserted Patents
The US International Trade Commission officially instituted Investigation No. 337-TA-1520 concerning mobile electronic devices imported from Kyoto, Japan. The investigation involves allegations of infringing six distinct US patents covering hardware and data operations.
Cytokinetics Sues Bristol-Myers Squibb and MyoKardia Seeking Declaratory Relief on Heart Drug Patent
Cytokinetics filed a complaint in Delaware Federal District Court requesting a declaratory judgment of non-infringement and invalidity against BMS and MyoKardia regarding U.S. Patent No. 12,616,697. The dispute centers on cardiovascular therapeutics competition.
CNIPA and EPO Officially Launch Bilateral Patent Prosecution Highway Pilot Program
The China National Intellectual Property Administration and the European Patent Office launched the CNIPA-EPO PPH pilot program on August 1, 2026. The bilateral program allows applicants to accelerate patent examination based on positive work products between both offices.
ParkerVision Advances Federal Circuit Appeals Following Post-Grant Review Rulings in Realtek Dispute
ParkerVision initiated appeals before the Federal Circuit challenging adverse PTAB patentability determinations, while district court trials against Realtek and MediaTek in the Western District of Texas were postponed.
Lex Machina 2026 Report Highlights US Patent Litigation Rebound and PTAB Slowdown
Lex Machina's 2026 Patent Litigation Report recorded district court patent filings reaching a ten-year peak of 4,547 cases in 2025 before settling at approximately 1,900 filings in early 2026, alongside a steep decline in PTAB petitions.
EPO and CNIPA Launch Bilateral Patent Prosecution Highway Pilot Program
The European Patent Office and China National Intellectual Property Administration commenced a bilateral Patent Prosecution Highway pilot program on August 1, 2026. The framework enables cross-jurisdictional work sharing to accelerate patent examination indefinitely.
EPO and CNIPA Establish Indefinite Bilateral Patent Prosecution Highway Agreement
The European Patent Office and the China National Intellectual Property Administration launched a permanent bilateral Patent Prosecution Highway pilot program on August 1, 2026. The program enables accelerated patent examination across both jurisdictions based on national and PCT work products.
Shanghai IP Court Issues Non-Infringement Ruling for Biocytogen's RenNano Platform Against Harbour
The Shanghai Intellectual Property Court ruled in favor of Biocytogen, finding no infringement of Harbour Antibodies' antibody discovery patent. The first-instance decision clears Biocytogen's proprietary RenNano platform in China.
Nokia Concludes Patent Licensing Accords with Lenovo and Acer, Pausing Litigation for Binding Arbitration
Nokia announced major licensing milestones in the computing space, renewing its multi-technology cross-license with Lenovo and entering into an agreement with Acer that sends core valuation terms to binding arbitration while staying pending litigation.
IP5 Heads of Office Establish New Framework on Emerging Technologies and AI Cooperation in Tokyo
The IP5 patent offices agreed on new strategic directions for emerging technologies and artificial intelligence at their 19th Heads of Office meeting in Tokyo. The initiative sets joint benchmarks for examining AI-assisted and AI-generated inventions.
Nokia Expands Patent Licensing Footprint with Hisense Agreement and Consumer Tech Deals
Nokia announced the conclusion of its first patent license agreement with Hisense alongside new deals across mobile and consumer electronics segments. The company also confirmed ongoing enforcement actions against Acer and Asus.
Sterne Kessler and Thomson Reuters Partner to Create New AI Tool for Patent Litigation
Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox and Thomson Reuters have launched an AI-powered 'Patent Claim Eligibility Analyzer' integrated into CoCounsel Legal to assist attorneys with Section 101 analysis.
Google Petitions US Supreme Court to Overturn PTAB Settled Expectations Discretionary Denial Policy
Google requested US Supreme Court review of USPTO policies directing the Patent Trial and Appeal Board to deny inter partes reviews based on settled expectations of older patents. Google argues the administrative standard unlawfully shields questionable patents from review.
USPTO Publishes Comprehensive Reference Guide on PRC Intellectual Property Legal Measures
The USPTO released an updated reference manual documenting recent Chinese patent, trademark, and judicial regulatory reforms to guide U.S. rights holders in safeguarding IP in China.
CNIPA Issues Strategic Guidelines on Standard Essential Patent (SEP) Applications
CNIPA released comprehensive guidelines establishing standardized drafting and specialized prosecution criteria for Standard Essential Patents. The directive targets international and domestic filings across telecommunications and emerging standards.
Astellas Resolves Myrbetriq Patent Infringement Litigation with Lupin
Astellas Pharma entered into a confidential settlement agreement with generic manufacturer Lupin to resolve US patent infringement litigation regarding Myrbetriq (mirabegron). Astellas indicated that patent enforcement actions against other generic competitors remain active.
Supreme Court Grants Review of Hatch-Waxman Skinny Label Induced Infringement in Hikma v. Amarin
The US Supreme Court granted certiorari to review a Federal Circuit decision holding generic manufacturer Hikma liable for induced infringement despite carving out patented indications under a skinny label. The case evaluates whether marketing activities outside the FDA label can establish inducement.
Samsung and Applied Materials Secure High-Stakes Patent Defense Resolution
Applied Materials secured a walk-away settlement resolving semiconductor fabrication patent infringement claims following a defense verdict for Samsung. The resolved patents were previously tied to a $4 billion damages dispute.
USPTO Updates Examination Guidance Regarding Subject Matter Eligibility Declarations Under Rule 132
The USPTO released updated guidance and an analytical flowchart for submitting Subject Matter Eligibility Declarations under 37 CFR 1.132. The update guides examiners and applicants on rebutting Section 101 rejections.
WIPO Enacts Expanded PCT Search Rules Across 19 National Collections
New amendments to PCT Rules 34, 36, and 63 officially took effect on January 1, 2026. The reform expands the PCT minimum documentation available to International Searching Authorities to encompass 19 additional national patent collections.
Federal Court Issues Anti-Suit Injunction Barring Foreign Anti-Anti-Suit Filings
A Texas federal court issued an Anti-Suit Injunction against patent monetization firm Onesta IP. The order bars parallel enforcement moves in foreign jurisdictions such as Munich, curtailing multinational litigation friction.
USITC Votes to Investigate Certain Wearable Devices with Fall Detection
The USITC instituted Investigation No. 337-TA-1477 regarding wearable devices with automated fall detection components following an amended complaint by UnaliWear. The investigation targets consumer safety electronics infringing wearable tracking patents.
Section 101 Eligibility Shifts at USPTO as PTAB Reversal Rates on Subject-Matter Eligibility Double
Analysis of USPTO and PTAB examination trends in 2026 reveals a sharp doubling in ex parte appeal reversal rates for Section 101 rejections, driven by disciplined examiner guidelines for software and AI architecture claims.