Every decision we've summarized from United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
The Federal Circuit affirmed the invalidity of two patents for indefiniteness but reversed summary judgment on infringement for a third patent due to disputed facts regarding Google's Content ID system. The case is remanded for trial on the infringement issue while the invalidity rulings for the other patents remain in effect.
The Federal Circuit determined it lacked subject matter jurisdiction over an appeal concerning the Restaurant Revitalization Fund because the dispute did not involve patent laws or small claims against the United States. Instead of dismissing the case, the court transferred the appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit under 28 U.S.C. § 1631.
The Federal Circuit dismissed Ramsey Randall's appeal as untimely because the notice of appeal was not received within the mandatory 60-day jurisdictional deadline. The court refused to apply the prison mailbox rule because Randall failed to provide evidence that he deposited the notice in the prison mail system with prepaid postage before the deadline expired.
The Federal Circuit determined it lacked jurisdiction over an appeal concerning a Small Business Administration grant dispute because the claim did not involve patent laws or specific tort damages. Consequently, the court transferred the case to the Third Circuit, which holds proper subject matter jurisdiction over this civil action.
The Federal Circuit summarily affirmed the dismissal of a $65 million suit against the United States, holding that the Court of Federal Claims lacked jurisdiction over the plaintiff's tort-based and takings claims. The court ruled that liberty and bodily integrity are not property interests compensable under the Takings Clause and that implied-in-law contracts fall outside the court's statutory authority.
The Federal Circuit summarily affirmed the dismissal of a suit filed in the Court of Federal Claims, holding that the court lacks jurisdiction over claims against private individuals and state officials. The court determined that the plaintiff's allegations regarding a child custody dispute fell entirely outside the scope of the Tucker Act.
The Federal Circuit reversed the Merit Systems Protection Board's denial of disability retirement, holding that the Office of Personnel Management cannot rebut the Bruner presumption of disability merely by asserting a lack of objective medical evidence. The court clarified that subjective medical testimony from a treating physician regarding functional limitations is sufficient to establish entitlement under 5 U.S.C. § 8337(d) without independent objective corroboration.
The Federal Circuit affirmed the Merit Systems Protection Board's decision to uphold the removal of a federal supervisor for insubordination and failure to follow instructions. The court held that the agency met its burden of proof under the preponderance of the evidence standard and that the penalty of removal was reasonable under the Douglas factors.
The Federal Circuit dismissed an appeal because the Merit Systems Protection Board's order was not a final decision under the governing statute. The court held that a stay of proceedings pending resolution of related issues does not end litigation on the merits.
The Federal Circuit affirmed the Patent Trial and Appeal Board's decision that patent claims covering semiconductor stacking methods were obvious. The court rejected Katana Silicon Technologies' argument that the claims required a pre-formed solid sheet, adopting the Board's broader construction of an adhesion layer.