The Atlanta Lawyer May 2014 | Page 38

section update Intellectual Property Section By Chis Lightner Alston & Bird LLP [email protected] T he Intellectual Property Section held a CLE luncheon on March 25, 2014, titled “Supreme Review: a Look at the High Court’s Docket of IP Cases.” The program was presented by Jeffrey Freeman (Finnegan), David Moreland (Meunier Carlin & Curfman), and Jason Rosenberg (Alston & Bird). We had a good turnout for the event, which was graciously hosted by Alston & Bird. Karen English of the Atlanta Bar Association also did a great job in assisting us in coordinating the event. The Supreme Court will decide no less than seven patent cases during this term, with decisions expected by June 2014. Jeff spoke regarding a case addressing whether computerimplemented inventions are directed to patent-eligible subject matter, an issue which the Court recognized could have widespread effect on the U.S. patent system. He also discussed another case considering the appropriate standard for determining whether patent claim language sufficiently points out and distinctly claims the invention. planning a summer CLE event. Further details regarding this event will be announced in the coming weeks. On other fronts, the IP Section is exploring potential pro bono and educational opportunities that will allow our membership to give back to the community. For further details regarding these efforts, please contact Chris Lightner, 2013-2014 Section Chair, at [email protected]. Lastly, the IP Section would like to thank our Annual Sponsors, including AEA Group, IP.com, and Willamette Management Associates. Their support contributes greatly to our ability to provide programming and opportunities to the Atlanta IP community, including our student membership. If your organization is interested in section sponsorship opportunities, please contact Chris Lightner, 2013-2014 Section Chair, at [email protected]. David covered the Court’s look at whether a defendant may be liable for indirect patent infringement even if no single entity has committed direct infringement (which until recently was a long-standing requirement for indirect infringement). David also spoke about two cases examining the standard for recouping attorney fees in patent cases. Jason spoke regarding the highly publicized Aereo case, in which the Court will decide whether re-transmitting a copyrighted television program over the Internet is an infringing “public performance.” Television networks have threatened to stop broadcasting their signals over the air if they lose, while cloud-based storage and streaming services could be unintentionally ensnared by a ruling against Aereo. Jason also discussed a case in which the Court will decide whether a private party can bring a Lanham Act claim challenging a product label regulated under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. In April, the IP Section held our annual IP SpringPosium event at the Barnsley Gardens manor house. The IP Section is also 38 THE ATLANTA LAWYER May 2014 The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association