On Fri., January 25, 2013, in Hall v. Bed Bath & Beyond, No. 2011-1165, the Federal Circuit (Newman, Lourie (dissenting-in-part), and Linn) held that a towel design patent owner properly pled claims of patent infringement, false advertising, misappropriation, and unfair competition. The Court also held that certain inventor statements on whether the towel was covered by his patent did not create liability for false advertising or false marking. This case indicates that the pleading requirements for design and utility patents are fairly similar.
Continue Reading Patent Alert: Federal Circuit Finds No Special Requirements for Pleading Design Patent Infringement