AmiCOUR IP Group News and Opinions

Welcome to the AmiCOUR IP Blog.  We invite your comments.  Past Issues.

April 14, 2011 - Walker Digital has filed infringement complaints against more than 100 defendants.

April 13, 2011 - Following the sale of Huffington Post to AOL for $315 million, a blogger has filed a class action claim demanding a fair share for the valuable efforts of 9000 fellow bloggers who helped build the famous website. If successful, the case may become fist impression encouraging claims from other bloggers.  Comments anyone?

April 8, 2011 - A Northern California Judge denied a motion to dismiss for lack of specificity (identification of specific patent claims) in a high profile case brought by Apple Computer to enforce its third party accessory program, while requiring defendant eForCity and co-defendants to answer the original complaint in 20 days. The controversial accessory program has roots in the company's late yet highly successful entry into the digital music player market using a proprietary connector design and device communication protocols. Apple is expected to participate in an LES mini-plenary session in October 2011 and may discuss its mobile device licensing programs.
Read Complaint Exhibits Order Humor: Viral Video on Mobile Devices

April 7, 2011 - Labor Secretary Hilda Solis today announced the 25th anniversary of Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, popularly called COBRA.  The act gives terminated employees a reasonable option to continue health care and other critical benefits, a win-win for employees and employers.  Solis described the legislation as a "safety net."

April 7, 2011 - AmiCOUR IP Group has launched a new series of one minute videos on the history of invention and discovery. The videos appear in theatres as part of the "short subjects" to depict the struggle and success of some of the world's most famous inventors.  Also included are the stories of several celebrity inventors, more famous as movie stars than inventors. The non-commercial versions, which AmiCOUR calls "INVENTainment," are free of charge to theatre owners to inspire young would-be inventors. The commercial versions appear randomly the company website to welcome visitors. Initial reactions are positive.

April 5, 2011 - Managing Intellectual Property Magazine named the Microsoft v i4i case "Patent Case of the Year," honoring Texas legal luminaries McKool Smith for their successful handling of the matter. This blog covered the proceedings beginning with the jury award through recent filings by 24 amici in support of i4i as Respondents to Microsoft's cert. The software giant retained Gibson Dunn's Ted Olson to ask the United States Supreme Court to lower a defendant's burden of proof from clear and convincing to preponderance of evidence. The US Government and AmiCOUR IP Group were among the filers supporting i4i.  The Justices will hear oral arguments on April 18, 2011.  Read briefs:  MS Merit Brief  i4i Merit Brief MS Reply Brief
April 18, 2011 Update - Read Transcript of Oral Arguments Listen

April 4, 2011 - Google today revealed a $900,000,000 bid for the Nortel patent portfolio. The announcement included a reiteration of Google's ongoing interest in "patent reform."  Founder Larry Page also resumed his role as CEO effective today, replacing Eric Schmidt and following months of criticism and a slew of legal problems. Other changes included an announcement that product developer Jonathan Rosenberg also plans to leave.

April 4, 2011 - A long plaintiff list has joined together to file suit against Monsanto over its history of suing farmers for use of its genetically modified ("GM") soybeans. The complaint begins with a simple explanation of the law of nature: "Coexistence between transgenic seed and organic seed is impossible because transgenic seed contaminates and eventually overcomes organic seed." Indeed, if it is impossible to avoid having the patented Monsanto gene show up in an otherwise organic crop, then the question becomes whether Monsanto is responsible for its own infringement, and therefore responsible for any damages it may seek? The plaintiffs also argue invalidity by making allegations of double patenting, and they are asking for declaratory judgments to block potential Monsanto claims.