L4S Congestion Control Algorithm for Network Access Points

US20260113272A1, a patent application filed 2024-10-21 by inventors JIANPO HAN, MOHD SHAHNAWAZ SIRAJ, ANDRE BEAUDIN, and OMAR EL FERKOUSS, was published on April 23, 2026. The application discloses systems and methods for implementing enhanced Low Latency, Low Loss, and Scalable throughput (L4S) mechanisms at network bottleneck nodes, such as access points, to detect and more selectively address congestion through access category queue watermarks and selective congestion experienced packet marking.

Swarm Intelligence System and Method for Decentralized Network Node Selection

USPTO published patent application US20260113267A1 on April 23, 2026, filed October 23, 2024 under application number 18923957. The application covers a system and method using swarm intelligence to select and rank nodes in a decentralized network, where the processor evaluates multiple combinations of nodes hosting required resources and ranks them using a path optimization algorithm. Inventors include Maharaj Mukherjee, George Albero, Naga Vamsi Krishna Akkapeddi, and Sakshi Bakshi, with CPC classifications H04L 45/121 and H04L 45/14.

sgRNA for Utrophin Activation to Treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Kunming University of Science and Technology published patent application US20260108628A1 covering an sgRNA capable of activating utrophin transcription and translation in human and mouse systems, as a therapeutic approach for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The application, filed January 18, 2024, contains DNA sequences represented by SEQ ID NOS: 1-20 and 21-39. The invention provides a gene therapy option targeting endogenous utrophin upregulation as an alternative to dystrophin replacement.

MIT Non-Pegylated Lipid Nanoparticles, Therapeutic Applications

Massachusetts Institute of Technology published patent application US20260108622A1 on April 23, 2026, claiming non-PEGylated lipid nanoparticles comprising an outer polyanionic layer, compositions thereof, and methods of using said particles for therapeutic applications. The application (No. 19364970) has a priority filing date of October 21, 2025, and covers CPC classifications including A61K 47/6911, A61K 9/0019, A61K 31/7105, and related pharmaceutical categories. Inventors include Paula T. Hammond-Cunningham, Namita Rajesh Nabar, and Deeksha Kumaresh.

DNA Plasmids for Retroviral CAR TCR Manufacturing

USPTO published patent application US20260108629A1 filed by Edward Liao on August 13, 2025, covering DNA molecules such as transfer plasmids useful for manufacturing packaged retroviral vectors encoding therapeutic proteins including chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and T cell receptors (TCRs). The application specifies that the encoded retroviral transcript includes a transgene, an EF1α promoter without the EF1α intron, operably linked to the transgene, and a Rev response element (RRE).

Nucleic Acid Storage and Transport at Ambient Temperatures

Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, published patent application US20260108624A1 (filed September 25, 2023) for liquid and substantially solid film compositions enabling long-term storage, transport, and delivery of nucleic acids and other molecules without ultralow temperature requirements. Inventors Trang Doan and Maria Croyle claim compositions that maintain nucleic acid integrity at ambient temperatures, potentially eliminating cold-chain storage needs for biological materials.

BIOCOMPATIBLE NANOPARTICLES AND USES THEREOF

A process for preparing polymeric monodispersed reduced nanohydrogels (NHGs) comprises combining monomers, macromonomer, a cross-linker, and a surfactant to obtain a precursor mixture; heating the precursor mixture to at least 40°C; adding an initiator; and performing an NHG reduction step. The application US20260108625A1 was published on April 23, 2026, naming inventors Gerardo BYK, Eswaran LAKSHMANAN, Cyril Joseph COHEN, and Maria RADMAN, with a filing date of September 27, 2023.

AAV Capsid Variants and Uses Thereof Patent Application

USPTO published patent application US20260108626A1 for AAV capsid variants on April 23, 2026. The application, originally filed on August 6, 2025, names seven inventors including Mathieu Emmanuel Nonnenmacher, Tyler Christopher Moyer, Jiangyu Li, Dan Richard Laks, Brett Hoffman, Elisabeth Knoll, and Yanqun Shu. The disclosure covers compositions and methods for preparing adeno-associated virus capsid protein variants used in gene therapy and biopharmaceutical applications.

Docking Peptides for Targeted Antibody Drug Conjugates

USPTO published patent application US20260109780A1 filed by inventors John K. Cini and Nick Evans on April 22, 2025, covering novel docking peptides and antibody-based drug conjugates designed for enhanced targeted delivery of drug payloads to tumor microenvironments with controlled drug-to-antibody ratios. The application includes CPC classifications indicating therapeutic applications for cancer treatment (A61P 35/00).

Beta Adrenergic Agonist Patent Application US20260109671A1

USPTO published patent application US20260109671A1 on April 23, 2026, filed September 24, 2025 under Application No. 19339240. The application covers chemical compounds for beta adrenergic agonist use and methods of treating diseases associated with adrenergic receptors. Inventors include Anthony P. Ford, Wei Chen, David Scott Carter, and Jiaxin Yu. CPC classifications indicate therapeutic applications for neurological conditions including A61P 25/16 (antiparkinson drugs) and A61P 25/28 (anti-Alzheimer agents).

Mosunetuzumab Subcutaneous Dosing Patent Application for B Cell Disorders

The USPTO has published patent application US20260109777A1, filed June 25, 2025 (Application No. 19249597), titled 'Methods of Treating Cancer Using Subcutaneous Dosing of Mosunetuzumab as a Monotherapy or in Combination with Lenalidomide.' The application covers methods for treating CD20-positive B cell proliferative disorders including non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukemia via subcutaneous administration of mosunetuzumab, alone or combined with lenalidomide. Named inventors include Samuel Dean Tracy, Hong Wang, Jue Wang, Brendan Christian Bender, and 13 others. This published application represents an early-stage intellectual property filing and does not yet constitute an issued patent grant.

Oleic Acid Derivatives as Treatments for Friedreich Ataxia and Ferroptosis Inhibitors

The USPTO published patent application US20260109661A1 on April 23, 2026, filed by The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. The application covers oleic acid derivatives of Formula I or Formula II, compositions containing them, and methods of use for treating neurodegenerative disorders including Friedreich ataxia, as well as compounds acting as ferroptosis inhibitors. Seven inventors are named: Amos Smith, Robert B. Wilson, Donna M Huryn, Maria Grazia Cotticelli, Shujuan Xia, Taehee Lee, and Roberto Forestieri.

Marshall and 11 AGs Intervene to Defend Trump Executive Order on Election Integrity

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall joined a coalition of 12 state attorneys general in filing motions to intervene in five pending federal lawsuits challenging Executive Order No. 14399, "Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections." The coalition seeks to defend the order in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts (2 cases) and the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (3 cases). The order directs federal agencies to compile State Citizenship Lists for election officials and instructs the Postal Service to develop mail-in ballot security rules. AG Marshall stated the coalition will not allow activist lawsuits to strip states of tools to ensure only lawful votes are counted.

Metro Eighteen Pays $70,098 to Settle Race Discrimination Case

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) resolved a race discrimination lawsuit against Metro Eighteen through a $70,098 settlement. The case, captioned EEOC v. Metro Eighteen, concluded with the employer paying the specified amount to resolve the federal discrimination allegations without admission of liability.

Lori's Gifts to Pay $600k Resolving EEOC Disability Discrimination Lawsuit

Lori's Gifts will pay $600,000 to resolve a disability discrimination lawsuit brought by the EEOC. The lawsuit alleged the company violated federal civil rights laws by discriminating against employees on the basis of disability. The consent decree resolving the matter was entered in federal court, with the settlement amount representing compensation for affected employees and civil penalties.

Comfort Keepers Franchisee Pays $324,200 for Pregnancy Discrimination

A Comfort Keepers franchisee has paid $324,200 to resolve EEOC charges of pregnancy discrimination and retaliation. The settlement resolves allegations that the employer violated federal civil rights law by treating employees differently because of pregnancy and retaliating against those who complained. Employers in the home care and personal care services sector should note the financial consequences of discriminatory employment practices and ensure compliance with federal protections.

New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy Permanently Revokes License of Massage Therapist for Alleged Sexual Misconduct Against Clients

The New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy has permanently revoked the license of Pedro "Chris" Castillo, a North Jersey massage therapist, following allegations that he engaged in inappropriate and unwanted sexual contact with female clients during massage sessions at two separate workplaces—a multidisciplinary practice in Wayne and a spa in East Rutherford. The Board found Castillo engaged in gross negligence endangering client health and safety, repeated negligence, and professional misconduct including improper draping, inappropriate touching of intimate body parts, and solicitation of sexual contact. Under the Consent Order resolving the matter, Castillo must permanently surrender his license with no possibility to reapply for licensure in the future.

Haringvlietbrug Steel Fatigue Reinforcements on A29, Netherlands

Rijkswaterstaat reports that contractor Hollandia Services is carrying out urgent steel reinforcement work on the Haringvlietbrug on the A29 route due to steel fatigue. Approximately 1,000 weld connections on the fixed bridge sections are being reinforced with bolted steel plates called overkluizingen. The work spans both the 80-metre and 1,060-metre fixed sections simultaneously, using mobile work platforms and hanging scaffolds to accelerate progress and ensure timely completion.

Rijkswaterstaat Tests Fully Biobased Traffic Signs on A58 at Oirschot

Rijkswaterstaat has launched a 12-month field test of 24 fully biobased traffic signs along the A58 near Oirschot, in partnership with Plantics under the InnovA58 Living Lab programme. The signs are manufactured from Dutch hemp fibre combined with biological resin derived from sugar-industry and vegetable-oil production by-products, making them fully circular. Testing began on 15 April 2026 and will evaluate whether the biobased signs are technically equivalent to standard aluminium signs for use in all weather conditions. If successful, the findings could support wider deployment of circular traffic-sign infrastructure across Dutch and European road networks.

New Edition Bereikbaar Zeeland Magazine Published

Rijkswaterstaat has published the April 2026 edition of its digital magazine Bereikbaar Zeeland, covering infrastructure renewal projects across Zeeland province. The edition details maintenance work at five major facilities: Vlaketunnel (10-day major maintenance), Slaakbrug (nature-conscious repairs), Grevelingensluis (inspection-led maintenance), Kreekraksluizen (rapid fault response and phased maintenance), and Krammersluizen (seasonally-planned repairs ahead of major renovation). The agency notes that many structures date from the 1950s–60s and face constraints from budget limitations alongside increasing traffic loads and climate pressures.

Tazewell & Peoria Railroad Lease Exemption, 19.3 Miles of Track, PPU

Tazewell & Peoria Railroad, Inc. (TZPR) filed a verified notice of exemption under Docket No. FD 36890 with the Surface Transportation Board to replace its 2004 lease agreement with Peoria and Pekin Union Railway Company (PPU) with a new 20-year lease covering approximately 19.3 miles of rail lines, with two five-year extension options. TZPR is requesting a waiver of the standard 60-day advance labor notice requirement under 49 CFR 1150.42(e); the effective date and waiver decision will be addressed in a separate Board decision. Petitions to revoke the exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502(d) must be filed no later than April 30, 2026.

Second Circuit, 25 Recent Opinions, Mar-Apr 2026

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals posted 25 recent opinions between March 17 and April 23, 2026. Case types include criminal matters such as United States v. Pence, United States v. Brown, and United States v. Barrett, civil disputes including Richardson v. Townsquare Media and Powell v. Ocwen Fin. Corp., and other proceedings such as Petersen Energía v. Argentine Republic and Waldman v. Palestine Liberation Org.

Burlington School District v. Monsanto Co. - Expert Testimony Motion Denied in PCB Contamination Case

The United States District Court for the District of Vermont denied Defendants' motion to exclude expert testimony from Wendy Pearson and Dr. Robert Wanat in Burlington School District's PCB contamination lawsuit against Monsanto Co., Solutia, Inc., and Pharmacia LLC. The Court applied Federal Rule of Evidence 702 and found that the experts' opinions regarding Monsanto's knowledge of PCB dangers were sufficiently reliable and based on documented evidence including Monsanto's own archives. The case concerns PCB contamination discovered at Burlington High School, which was constructed in the 1960s and ultimately required demolition.

Srujan Veeramaneni v. Joseph B. Edlow - Venue Transfer Ruling

The US District Court for the District of Vermont granted a motion to transfer venue in Srujan Veeramaneni v. Joseph B. Edlow (Case No. 2:25-cv-827) from the District of Vermont to the District of Nebraska. The court found Vermont lacked proper venue because the plaintiff's U visa application is being processed at the Nebraska Service Center and the plaintiff resides in Montgomery, Alabama, satisfying none of the venue prongs under 28 U.S.C. § 1391(e)(1). Rejecting dismissal, the court exercised its discretion under 28 U.S.C. § 1406(a) to transfer rather than dismiss, citing the plaintiff's pro se status and the case's merits.

Ellen Stimson v. State Farm Fire and Casualty Co. - Insurance Coverage

The U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont denied both cross-motions for summary judgment in an insurance coverage dispute between homeowner Ellen Stimson and State Farm Fire and Casualty Company. The court also issued sanctions against State Farm for failing to comply with a court order to produce discovery, noting that State Farm's attorney admitted being 'ill equipped' to provide documents 'in a timely fashion' despite a prior court order compelling production. The court set new deadlines requiring State Farm to provide discovery within 15 days, complete depositions within 30 days thereafter, and allow parties 15 additional days for supplemental pleadings. Stimson's motion to exclude evidence was denied as moot.

FCC To Hold Open Commission Meeting Thursday, April 30, 2026

The FCC released a Sunshine Notice announcing an open commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 30, 2026. The document was released on April 23, 2026 by the Managing Director's Bureau. This is a standard Sunshine Act public notice informing stakeholders of an upcoming FCC open meeting.

FCC Clears the Way for American Leadership in Next-Gen, Direct-to-Device Connectivity

The FCC has announced the approval of measures to enable American leadership in next-generation direct-to-device satellite connectivity. The agency released two orders clearing regulatory pathways for space-based connectivity to mobile devices. This action positions the FCC to support U.S. leadership in direct-to-device satellite communications technology.

FCC Narrows Scope of Disaster Reporting for Typhoon Sinlaku

The FCC has deactivated disaster reporting requirements in Guam following Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Carriers previously operating under emergency disaster reporting protocols are no longer required to submit real-time status reports. The FCC requires affected carriers to submit MDRI After Action Reports documenting their response during the active disaster reporting period.

Local Reference Rents by BRMA and Property Size March 2026

HMRC published the March 2026 Local Reference Rents dataset listing rental levels by Broad Rental Market Area and property size for residential property in England. The data, contained in a 15 KB OpenDocument format file, covers rental market areas across England organised by number of rooms. This publication supersedes prior releases available through the National Archives.

HMRC App Privacy Notice, Data Usage Guide

HMRC published a privacy notice on 23 April 2026 explaining how HM Revenue & Customs and other organisations may use personal data when individuals use the HMRC App. The notice applies whether users access services via the iOS or Android mobile application or through the HMRC website in a web browser. Users are advised to read the main HMRC privacy notice alongside this app-specific guidance.

Jones v. Walmart - Dismissal Without Prejudice, Failure to Serve

The United States District Court for the District of South Carolina granted a Magistrate Judge's Report and Recommendation and dismissed Jayrosky O. Jones's Title VII employment discrimination action without prejudice for failure to serve the defendant within the time prescribed by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4(m). The plaintiff, proceeding pro se, failed to file objections to the Magistrate's Report by the March 20, 2026 deadline. The dismissal does not reach the merits of the underlying discrimination claim.

Adams v. Jimenez - Pro Se Civil Action Dismissed Without Prejudice

The US District Court for the District of South Carolina dismissed Jessie Adams' pro se civil complaint against Sergio Jimenez without prejudice, adopting Magistrate Judge Paige J. Gossett's Report and Recommendation. The dismissal was ordered due to lack of subject matter jurisdiction and because the plaintiff's address was insufficient, preventing delivery of the Report and any opportunity to file objections. The court found no clear error in the Magistrate's analysis under 28 U.S.C. § 636(b).

Hodges v. Holland - Bankruptcy Appeal Affirmed, Appellant Warned on Sanctions

The United States District Court for the District of South Carolina affirmed the Bankruptcy Court's order and dismissed Appellant Michelle Hodges's appeal (Case No. 6:25-cv-12590), adopting the Magistrate Judge's Report and Recommendation issued March 13, 2026. The Court conducted a clear-error review of the unopposed Report, which had recommended affirming the Bankruptcy Court and warning Appellant regarding potential sanctions for baseless bankruptcy appeals. Appellant, who filed no objections to the Report, is now formally warned that continued filing of meritless bankruptcy appeals in this Court may result in sanctions.

CSA Lowers Trading Fee Cap to CAD $0.0017

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) adopted final amendments to National Instrument 23-101 Trading Rules on April 23, 2026, lowering the active trading fee cap to CAD $0.0017 for all securities priced at CAD $1.00 or more that are listed on both Canadian recognized exchanges and U.S. registered national securities exchanges (U.S. Inter-listed Securities). The amendments will come into force on November 2, 2026, provided all necessary ministerial approvals are obtained. The CSA received 10 responses to its January 23, 2025 request for comment and will monitor the impact of the fee cap change over time, with any further changes subject to public consultation.

February 2026 Digest, Global Deposit Insurance Highlights

IADI published its February 2026 Digest covering global deposit insurance developments. The digest highlights deposit insurance activities across multiple jurisdictions. An upcoming Core Principles Practitioners Workshop is listed for 20–24 April 2026.

IFAD $344.5M Agro-Industrial Project Launched in Côte d'Ivoire

IFAD and the Government of Côte d'Ivoire officially launched the Agro-Industrial Pole Project in the North-East on April 21, 2026, committing US$344.5 million to modernize agricultural systems, increase market access, and build climate resilience in the Zanzan region. The project will establish an Aggregation and Services Centre on 25 hectares in Bouna, featuring processing units, storage, cold chain infrastructure, and financial service outlets targeting over 222,000 rural inhabitants with priority for youth and women. Cofinancing comes from IFAD, Italy's CDP, and the African Development Bank, continuing IFAD's four-decade investment partnership that has already supported 585,000 rural households across 14 projects worth US$827.97 million.

India and IFAD Sign US$45.78M Agreement for Mizoram Farming

The Government of India and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) signed a US$45.78 million financing agreement on 9 April 2026 for FOCUS 2.0 (Fostering Climate Resilient Upland Farming Systems in the Northeast), expanding coverage from six to all 11 districts in Mizoram to reach 150,000 people over six years (2026–2032). The programme builds on Phase 1 (2018–2024), where participant incomes increased by 43 per cent through integrated farming systems, climate-smart practices, livestock support, and improved market access.

IFAD Seeks Implementing Partner for AgTech FinTech Grant

IFAD is seeking proposals from eligible organizations to serve as implementing partner for a grant titled "Evidence for Scale-Up of AgTech and FinTech Solutions through IFAD's PoLG." The initiative aims to generate evidence and lessons learned to support expansion of financial and non-financial services for rural smallholders delivered by AgTech and FinTech companies, and will develop a tailored impact reporting methodology to inform potential private and public investors. Non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations, and commercial entities are welcome to apply. Proposals must be submitted by 13 May 2026.

Oregon DFR Enforcement Action Against Gerardo Jimenez, Case INS-25-0065, 04/23/2026

Oregon's Division of Financial Regulation added a new enforcement action against Gerardo Jimenez (Case INS-25-0065) in the insurance sector, dated April 23, 2026. The enforcement action was inserted into the division's public Notices and Orders page, which lists active enforcement matters across insurance, securities, and related financial sectors. This addition brings the total number of listed enforcement actions on the page to over 20 cases spanning January through April 2026.

AGs Win Jury Verdict Against Live Nation Ticketmaster Monopoly

A five-week trial concluded on April 15, 2026, with a jury finding that Live Nation and Ticketmaster maintain illegal monopolies in the live events industry, overcharging fans for tickets as a direct result. A coalition of 40 state attorneys general proved the companies locked venues into exclusive contracts, forced competitors out of the industry, and limited artists' venue choices. In the coming months the coalition will ask the court to impose remedies including financial consequences and a breakup of Live Nation's monopoly.

Coastal Electrical Construction LLC v. Jernigan - Trade Secrets Dismissed

The United States District Court for the District of Delaware granted Defendants' Motion to Dismiss in Coastal Electrical Construction LLC v. Kenneth Jernigan and Lineco LLC (Civil Action No. 25-1295-GBW). The Court found that Plaintiff failed to sufficiently state its federal claim under the Defend Trade Secrets Act and, lacking federal question jurisdiction, declined supplemental jurisdiction over the remaining state law claims including breaches of non-compete and non-solicitation provisions, common law tort claims, and unfair competition. The Court also denied as moot Defendants' Motion to Stay Discovery and both parties' Requests for Oral Argument.

STOLI Policy Void Ab Initio Under Delaware Law, Ameritas Wins

The US District Court for the District of Delaware ruled on April 21, 2026 that a life insurance policy purchased through a STOLI arrangement is void ab initio under Delaware law, which requires an insurable interest when procuring a policy. The court granted summary judgment to Ameritas Life Insurance Corp, the insurer, rejecting U.S. Bank's argument that the policy was enforceable and awarding Ameritas retention of the death benefit and premium payments. The ruling aligns with the Delaware Supreme Court's 2011 decision in PHL Variable Insurance Co. v. Price Dawe, which confirmed that STOLI policies constitute unlawful wagers and that insurers may challenge them even after the contestability period expires.

Belden Inc. v. CommScope Inc. - Patent Claim Construction

The US District Court for the District of Delaware issued a memorandum opinion on April 22, 2026 construing disputed claim terms in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,991,030 and 10,832,833 in Belden Inc. v. CommScope Inc. The patents concern electromagnetic interference (EMI) controlling tape for unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables. Of the 70 total claims between the two patents, Plaintiff Belden is asserting 10. Oral argument was held on December 15, 2025 following submission of a Joint Claim Construction Brief.

Tenneson v. Russell - Motion to Stay Denied, Securities Class Action Proceeds

The District Court for the District of Arizona denied individual defendants Mark A. Russell and Michael Lohscheller's motion to extend the bankruptcy automatic stay under Section 362(a) to cover them as non-debtors. The court found that the automatic stay provisions cover only debtors, property of the debtor, or property of the bankruptcy estate, and declined to extend the 'unusual circumstances' exception. Plaintiffs' class action alleging violations of Section 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and SEC Rule 10b-5(b) against the individual defendants will now proceed independently of Nikola Corporation's bankruptcy proceedings.

FTC v. James D Noland Jr. - Recusal Motion Denied

The District Court for the District of Arizona denied the Individual Defendants' motion for recusal filed on March 23, 2026 (Doc. 623). The court found no legal basis for recusal under Liteky v. United States (1994), noting that the defendants explicitly stated they did not contend the court harbored actual bias against them, and identified no display of deep-seated favoritism or antagonism. The court also granted the defendants' motion to exceed the page limitation for their stay motion (Doc. 624). The underlying FTC enforcement action was originally filed January 8, 2020, and the Ninth Circuit affirmed on November 24, 2025.

Silva v. Hercules Distributors LLC - Motion to Dismiss Counterclaims Denied

The District Court denied Plaintiff Jesse Silva's motion to dismiss eight counterclaims filed by employer Hercules Distributors LLC, finding that the court has subject-matter jurisdiction. The counterclaims include breach of oral contract, quantum meruit, account stated, unjust enrichment, negligent misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, and fraud, arising from a dispute over independent contractor arrangements. The court's denial allows the employer's counterclaims to proceed alongside the plaintiff's underlying FLSA, AMWA, and AWA claims for unpaid wages and misclassification.

PMKS Digitalization Carnival and e-Invoicing, April 20

The Malaysian Inland Revenue Board (Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia, HASiL) held a Digitalization Carnival for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (PMKS) on April 20, 2026, focusing on e-Invoicing, productivity, innovation, and market expansion. HASiL also announced that the Stamp Duty Audit Framework is now available for download from the official HASiL portal.

Slingshot Printing LLC v. Canon U.S.A., Inc. — Obviousness Ruling Affirmed

The Federal Circuit affirmed the Patent Trial and Appeal Board's final written decision determining that claims 1–5 and 8 of U.S. Patent No. 7,195,341 are unobvious. The Board had found that Canon showed by a preponderance of the evidence that the claims would have been obvious over U.S. Patent No. 6,412,917 (Torgerson) combined with U.S. Patent No. 7,240,997 (Bruce), both from the same field of endeavor as the '341 patent. The court rejected all three of Slingshot's arguments on appeal: that Torgerson does not disclose polysilicon conductor layer connections, that a skilled artisan would not have been motivated to combine the references, and that the Board's analysis of remaining claim limitations was insufficient under the APA.

Affirms PTAB Obviousness Rulings in Network-Threat Detection Patent IPR

The Federal Circuit affirmed the PTAB's determination that claims 1–3, 5–13, and 15–20 of U.S. Patent No. 10,193,917 ('the '917 Patent) are not patentable for obviousness, and reversed the PTAB's finding that claims 4 and 14 are patentable. Centripetal Networks appealed the Board's obviousness rulings while Keysight cross-appealed the non-obviousness findings. The court decided the case under 28 U.S.C. § 1295(a)(4)(A). The '917 Patent covers a packet-filtering device for rule-based network-threat detection that applies operators to block or permit network packets and generates log data.

Nantworks LLC v. Niantic Inc. - Patent Invalidity Affirmed (AR Technology)

The Federal Circuit affirmed the district court's rulings that claims 7, 14, 16, 19, 26, and 31 of U.S. Patent No. 10,664,518 and claims 7, 22, 23, and 25 of U.S. Patent No. 10,403,051 are invalid under 35 U.S.C. § 101 for failing to meet patent eligibility requirements. The court upheld the district court's judgment on the pleadings for the '518 patent claims and summary judgment for the '051 patent claims. For affected parties, this decision eliminates NantWorks' ability to assert these specific patent claims against Niantic's AR games Pokémon Go and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite.