Firm News

The Northern Virginia AIPLA Women In IP Law Networking Dinner 2012

"A Woman's Perspective: How a Copyright, Patent and Trademark Can Make a Difference" Featured Speaker: Dr. Florence Haseltine The AIPLA Northern Virginia Women in IP networking dinner hosted by Oblon Spivak, was, according to all who attended, a great success. In addition to sharing many of her experiences in the academic and business arenas, Dr. Haseltine shared many words of wisdom and experience, including "pay attention to what you pay attention to". Following this advice ensures that we will do what interests us and succeed as a result of that interest and passion. Please see photos below from the event.

Oblon Spivak Ranked As the Top Firm for Obtaining Patents for the 22nd Consecutive Year

For Immediate Release March 2, 2012 Alexandria, Va. -- The intellectual property law firm Oblon, Spivak, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, L.L.P., has obtained a record 5,686 U.S. utility patents issued in 2011, according to numbers provided in the March issue of IP Today magazine. Oblon Spivak obtained 2,067 more patents than the second place firm and 2,350 more than the firm which came in third place. Oblon Spivak has achieved the ranking as the top patent firm for 22 consecutive years.

IP Today, March 2012

USPTO Releases its Proposed Patent Fee Schedule and Proposed Contested Case Rules

Proposed Patent Fee Schedule The USPTO announces the release of a proposed patent fee schedule issued under Section 10 of the AIA. To explain the proposed fee changes, they have prepared five documents: (i) a transmittal letter from the USPTO to PPAC explaining the fee setting philosophy; (ii) an executive summary of their proposed fee schedule; (iii) detailed information about their proposed fee schedule; (iv) a table of proposed fee changes; and (v) aggregate revenue calculations:

Recent Important USPTO Proposed Rules

Changes To Implement the Supplemental Examination Provisions of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act and To Revise Reexamination Fees (25Jan2012)

Recent Important USPTO Federal Register Notices

1. Proposed Rule/Request for comments "Request for Comments on Eliciting More Complete Patent Assignment Information" (comments due January 23, 2012).

Oblon Spivak Elects A New Partner

For Immediate Release January 4, 2012 Alexandria, Va. – Oblon, Spivak, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, L.L.P. announces Tia Fenton and Kurt Berger have been elected partners. In addition, Soumya Panda has been elevated to senior associate.

Benchmark Litigation Again Recognizes Oblon Spivak As A Leading Virginia Litigation Firm

For Immediate Release November 17, 2011 Alexandria, Va. -- The intellectual property law firm Oblon, Spivak, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, L.L.P., has been recognized again in the 2012 edition ofBenchmark Litigation as a "Recommended Local Litigation Firm" in Virginia. Richard D. Kelly, the firm's managing shareholder, was identified as a "Local Litigation Star."

Oblon, Spivak's Richard Kelly Quoted in Law360 Regarding Prior Use Rule

Oblon, Spivak's Richard Kelly is quoted in a news article regarding the prior user rights provision of the America Invents Act. Mr. Kelly commented that big technological breakthroughs will always be patented because the inventors will want to protect them. But prior user rights could make the trade secret route more appealing when it is debatable whether the invention is patent-eligible.

Law360, November 10, 2011

Oblon Spivak Again Named a Best Law Firm for Intellectual Property Law by U.S. News & World Report

For Immediate Release November 9, 2011 Alexandria, Va. –The intellectual property law firm Oblon, Spivak, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, L.L.P. is proud to announce that the firm, for the second year in a row, is ranked nationally for Intellectual Property Law in the "Best Law Firms" list, published by U.S. News & World Report in tandem with Best Lawyers. Additionally, the firm is ranked highly at the metropolitan level in Washington, D.C.

U.S. News & World Report in tandem with Best Lawyers

Oblon, Spivak's Richard Kelly Quoted in Business on Main Regarding the Impact of the New Patent Reform Bill

Oblon, Spivak's Richard Kelly is quoted in a recent news article regarding the impact of the new patent reform bill. Mr. Kelly commented that most large corporations and entrepreneurial high-tech organizations are already wired to file patents as quickly as possible. "Fundamentally, the U.S. is just one slice of major world markets. Active patent filers in the U.S. know not to risk the loss of patent rights in other countries or diminish the value of their patents by delaying U.S. filings. Further, in cases involving a dispute between two parties regarding who was first to invent, the party who was first to file usually wins anyway."

Business on Main, September 27, 2011