Software Patents After Alice

Washington, D.C. partner and co-chair of the Intellectual Property group, Bob Stoll, traveled to Japan with a delegation of IP experts to discuss U.S. patent issues with patent practitioners and litigators in Japan. The delegation included Dave Kappos, former Director at the United States Patent and Trade Office (USPTO) and a current partner at Cravath; Judge Linn, from the CAFC; Hal Wegner, previously from Foley and a well-known patent blogger; and Mike Dzwonczyk, a partner at Sughrue.

The delegation first traveled to Osaka to speak to 150 members of the Japan Patent Attorneys Association (JPAA). Bob had a series of speeches where he discussed the patent eligibility of software after recent Supreme Court decisions, recent changes implemented by the USPTO on their post grant procedures and legislation pending on the Hill.

After returning to Tokyo, the group met with the leadership of the Japan Intellectual Property Association (JIPA) to discuss issues related to U.S. practice. This meeting was followed by a meeting with the leadership of the Japan Patent Office (JPO), including Commissioner Ito and Deputy Commissioner Kihara to discuss areas where each of the two patent systems could be improved. They then participated in the annual reception of the AIPPI Japan in Tokyo.

Bob’s group later held a lecture for over 300 members of the JPAA, covering topics similar to the ones they discussed in Osaka. That lecture was followed by a lecture for members of the Linn Inn of Court in Japan where Bob spoke on patent legislative initiatives and likely outcomes.

The group then held a seminar for about 60 members of the AIPPI Japan.