Software patent owners given rare boost in Federal Circuit Enfish decision

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2025

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Cookies Settings

Software patent owners given rare boost in Federal Circuit Enfish decision

May 17 2016
federal20circuit20court200.jpg

The Federal Circuit has found software patents valid under Alice for only the second time, in Enfish v Microsoft. The decision gives valuable ammunition for opposing a Section 101 challenge to software patent claims and may also mean the recent USPTO patent eligibility guidance needs to be updated

Unlock this content.

The content you are trying to view is exclusive to our subscribers.

To unlock this content:

Take a Free Trial or Login

Topics

United StatesNewsPatentsNorth AmericaJurisdictions
more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

Trademarks
ginevra.righini_chr (002).jpg
Behind the case: DLA Piper pops corks after Champagne TM win
Partner Ginevra Righini explains how she secured victory for the Comité Champagne in its fight against an EUTM application for ‘Nero Champagne’
July 07 2025
Patents
Volkan Five mins2.jpg
IP firm founder on Hamlet, yoga, and the power of patents
Volkan Hamamcıoğlu joins us for our ‘Five minutes with’ series to discuss meditation, tackling deadlines, and taking inspiration from Hamlet
July 07 2025
Patents
Tesla.jpg
This week on MIP: Tesla’s UK comeback | EBoA clarifies prior art standard
A $110 million US verdict against Apple and an appellate order staying a $39 million trademark infringement finding against Amazon were also among the top talking points
Sukanya Sarkar, July 04 2025
Trademarks
LookingAheadH2.png
Tattoos and free speech: counsel predict copyright and TM trends
Attorneys are watching how AI affects trademark registrations and whether a SCOTUS ruling from last year will have broader free speech implications
Rani Mehta, July 04 2025
Patents
2025 New Year Loading. Loading bar with wooden blocks 2025 on blue background. Start new year 2025 with goal plan, goal concept, action plan, strategy, new year business vision.
Tariffs and USPTO changes: counsel predict H2 patent trends
Patent lawyers explain why they will be keeping an eye on the implications of a pharma case and on changes at the USPTO in the second half of 2025
Rani Mehta, July 04 2025
Patents
Hands holding paper cutouts of people holding hands. Concept of employee assistance programs support, care. Care for employees well-being, personal issues. Confidential support systems. Crisis
Weekly take: Crying at work should not be a story
The insensitive reaction to a UK politician crying on TV proves we have a long way to go before we can say we are tackling workplace wellbeing
Max Walters, July 03 2025
Patents
Percer_Adrian_hi.jpg
Billion-dollar opportunity: IP partner explains WilmerHale switch
Adrian Percer says he was impressed by the firm’s work on billion-dollar cases as well as its culture
Rani Mehta, July 03 2025
Patents
Catherine-Bonner.jpg
‘All points of view are valuable’: promoting diversity in patents
In our latest interview with women IP leaders, Catherine Bonner at Murgitroyd discusses technology, training, and teaching
James Nurton, July 03 2025
Patents
View of Europe at night from space with city lights showing human activity in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and other countries. NASA elements and 3D rendering.
UPC update: CoA issues fees clarification | CMS freeze
Developments included an update in the VAR dispute between Ballinno and UEFA, the latest CMS updates, and a swathe of market moves
July 03 2025
Copy of LS Americas Awards 2025 SMC 1200x627.png
2025 LMG Life Sciences Americas Awards: shortlist revealed
The LMG Life Sciences Americas Awards is thrilled to present the 2025 shortlist
Shailyn Tirado, July 02 2025
Gift this article