Welcome to this edition of IP Five in 5 – where we’ll cover the top five IP news stories in 5 minutes or less. Highlights from this week’s edition include Sonos’ triumph over Google, the FTC’s warning against improper patent listings, and the USPTO’s launch of their cloud-based trademark search system.
Patent Spotlight
FTC Warns Drugmakers about Improper Patent Listings
On September 14, 2023, the FTC cautioned brand-name drugmakers, threatening legal action for improper patent listings with federal health regulators. The agency emphasized potential harm to competition by keeping prices artificially high.
Source: Reuters
Sonos Triumphs over Google in US Patent Dispute
On September 18, 2023, Sonos successfully avoided a ban on the import of their voice-controlled speakers in its ongoing patent dispute with Google following a U.S. International Trade Commission ruling.
Source: Reuters
Amazon Prevails in Jury Trial for Kindle and Music Apps Technology
On September 19, 2023, Amazon was cleared of patent infringement claims in a Delaware federal jury trial. The jury found that Amazon’s music and e-reader apps’ features for seeking song lyrics and audiobooks didn’t infringe on Curt Evans’ TrackTime patent.
Source: Reuters
Trademark Spotlight
USPTO Launches Cloud-based Trademark Search System with Basic and Advanced Search Features
On September 18, 2023, the USPTO announced its launch of a new trademark search system (currently in beta and available here) to replace the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS). The new cloud-based system offers improved search capabilities.
Source: USPTO
Copyright Spotlight
Grisham and Other Prominent US Authors Sue OpenAI for Copyright Infringement
On September 19, 2023, The Authors Guild, representing writers like Grisham, Franzen, Saunders, Picoult and Martin, filed a class-action lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT was unlawfully trained on their work. Multiple similar lawsuits target other AI providers.
Source: U.S. News & World Report
