Firm News

Five Oblon, Spivak Attorneys Selected for Top Patent Prosecutors List

For Immediate Release April 14, 2011 Alexandria, Va. – Oblon, Spivak, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, L.L.P. is pleased to announce that six partners have been named to Patent Research Reviewand Patent Buddy's Top Patent Prosecutors list. Stephen Baxter, Ph.D., Eckhard Kuesters, Surinder Sachar, and Philippe Signore, Ph.D., are all recognized among the leading patent prosecutors.

Patent Buddy and Patent Research Review

USPTO Prepares for Possible Government Shutdown

In the event of a government shutdown on April 9, 2011, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will remain open and continue to operate as usual for a period of six business days – through Monday, April 18, 2011 -- because the USPTO has enough available reserves, not linked to the current fiscal year, to remain in operation until then. Should a shutdown occur and continue longer than the six-day period, we anticipate that limited staff will be able to continue to work to accept new electronic applications and maintain IT infrastructure, among other functions. More information will be posted on this website as it becomes available.

Oblon, Spivak's Richard Kelly Quoted in Managing Intellectual Property (MIP) About Google's Bid for Nortel's Patents

In a recent Managing Intellectual Property (MIP) Managing Patents article, Richard Kelly is quoted regarding Google's $900 million bid for Nortel's patents. Nortel filed for bankruptcy in 2009 and the bankruptcy auction is expected to be held later this year. Mr. Kelly commented that "this could get to a little bit of insanity, but it is where mobile communications is going." "If Google can pull this off, they've probably got a pretty good buy." "It certainly is not good news for RIM if Google is handling this and they want to be 4G," said Kelly. "The same could be said for others."

Managing Intellectual Property (MIP), Managing Patents 05 April 2011

USPTO Announces Launch Date for Fast-Track Patent Processing

Original utility or plant applications filed on or after May 4, 2011 will be eligible for the Prioritized Examination Track I of the Enhanced Examination Timing Control Procedures.

Oblon, Spivak Ranked a Top IP Firm in Chambers Global 2011

For Immediate Release March 29, 2011 Alexandria, Va. – Oblon, Spivak, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, L.L.P. is pleased to announce that the Firm is a highly ranked law firm for Intellectual Property: Patent in the United States in Chambers Global 2011. This is the first time the firm has been ranked in the Global guide.

Chambers Global 2011

ITC Rules in Favor of SMC Corporation By Invalidating Competitor's Patent

For Immediate Release March 22, 2011 Alexandria, Va. – The International Trade Commission (ITC) has ruled against a Colorado-based company regarding its claims that SMC Corporation and SMC Corporation of America violated 19 U.S.C. Section 1337 with unfair practices in import trade.

USPTO Offers Relief to Japanese Companies Affected by Earthquake and Tsunami

Earthquake in Japan

Dear Colleagues, It is with great shock and sadness that we learned of Friday's horrendous earthquake on northern Honshu. We hope and pray that all of your colleagues, family and friends came through this horrific natural disaster unharmed.

Oblon, Spivak's Richard Kelly Quoted in Legal Times Blog Regarding Japan Earthquake

Oblon, Spivak's Richard Kelly was interviewed by the Legal Times Blog regarding the earthquake in Japan and how it has affected the office and attorneys. "Obviously we're monitoring the situation. We have a lot of friends over there," said Richard Kelly, managing partner of the 110-lawyer firm, which he said plans to make "a significant contribution" to the Japanese Red Cross.

Legal Times Blog, March 15, 2011

Oblon, Spivak Remains Top Firm for Obtaining U.S. Utility Patents for 21 Consecutive Years

For Immediate Release March 1, 2011 Firm Also Becomes the First to Secure More Than 5,000 U.S. Patents in a Single Year

IP Today, March 2011