Formalism at the Federal Circuit

Name: Formalism at the Federal Circuit
Cite: 52 Am. U. L. Rev. 771
Year: 2003
Bluebook cite: John R. Thomas, Formalism at the Federal Circuit, 52 Am. U. L. Rev. 771 (2003).
Author: John R. Thomas
URL: wl: 52 Am. U. L. Rev. 771
Item Type: article
Summary: This Article considers the prevailing trend in Federal Circuit patent jurisprudence towards formalism. Essentially, the Federal Circuit is resolving issues based on a discrete list of factors (i.e. rules) rather than looking at all the facts and circumstances of the case. The article reviews this trend in five areas of the Federal Circuit's patent jurisprudence: the on-sale bar, patent eligibility, the public dedication doctrine, prosecution history estoppel and obviousness. Lastly, the article discusses potential consequences of formalism in patent law.

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