At Least One Said Index" Is Identical To "Said At Least One Index
Client Alert | 1 min read | 10.10.08
An amendment changing a software claim term from "said at least one index" to "at least one said index" does not broaden the scope of the claim, a Federal Circuit panel concludes in Predicate Logic, Inc. v. Distributive Software, Inc. (No. 2007-1539; October 9, 2008).
The amendment was one of two made by an Examiner during reexamination of the patent at issue. In a motion for summary judgment, the defendant, Distributive Software, Inc. argued that the subtle change in wording impermissibly enlarged the scope of the claim and thereby rendered the reexamined patent invalid under 35 U.S.C. § 305. After conducting a meticulous analysis that included a hypothetical example, the Federal Circuit determines that it "can imagine no conceivable process . . . that would infringe the amended claim but would not infringe the original claim." Applying this test, which is the same test used for reissue claims, the Court determines that the amended claim does not broaden the scope of the original claim and the district court's finding of invalidity is reversed.
Contacts
Insights
Client Alert | 6 min read | 04.18.25
On April 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued guidance regarding the implementation and enforcement of the newly enacted final rule, “Preventing Access to U.S. Sensitive Personal Data and Government-Related Data by Countries of Concern or Covered Persons,” now referred to as the Data Security Program (DSP). The release included an Implementation and Enforcement Policy, a Compliance Guide, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Collectively, these documents are designed to help entities subject to the DSP understand and comply with the obligations set out under the Final Rule.
Client Alert | 2 min read | 04.18.25
Client Alert | 2 min read | 04.17.25
Client Alert | 5 min read | 04.15.25
Is Section 230 Going to Change? The FTC, DOJ and FCC Signal Significant Change for Online Businesses