USPTO PTAB Precedential Decisions

USPTO Rehearing Decision on Patent Eligibility for Machine Learning

The USPTO Appeals Review Panel vacated a previous rejection of patent claims related to machine learning training methods under 35 U.S.C. § 101. This decision revises the patent eligibility assessment for certain AI-related inventions, impacting technology companies and manufacturers seeking patent protection.

USPTO Director Review Vacates Institution, Remands IPR Cases

The USPTO Director has granted a review, vacated decisions to institute two Inter Partes Review (IPR) proceedings against two patents held by Birchtech Corp., and remanded the cases. The Director found that instituting multiple petitions against the same patent claims for efficiency reasons was an abuse of discretion.

PTAB Grants New Filing Date and Expunges Documents in IPR Proceeding

The USPTO Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) has accorded a new filing date of January 5, 2026, to a petition for inter partes review filed by Curium US LLC. This decision follows an updated mandatory notice identifying additional real parties in interest. Consequently, prior filings related to the original petition, including a request for discretionary denial, have been expunged.

USPTO Denies Inter Partes Review Due to Chinese Government Control

The USPTO Director denied an Inter Partes Review (IPR) petition filed by Tianma Microelectronics Co., Ltd. against LG Display Co., Ltd. The denial was based on national security interests, as Tianma is affiliated with China's Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC), a Chinese government-controlled entity on the Commerce Department's entity list. This decision also interprets the Supreme Court's 'Return Mail' ruling to bar foreign governments from filing IPR petitions.