Google, HTC, TTAB, PTAB, Judge Michel, Apple, Acacia, Microsoft – the week in IP

September 21 2017

Recent news included Google receiving a licence for HTC intellectual property, the TTAB again finding “Pretzel Crisps” to be generic, the PTAB designating a decision as informative, Judge Paul Michel suggesting seven ways to improve the US patent system, Apple settling with Acacia following a $22m verdict, and Microsoft extending its Azure programme to China

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More from across our site

Trademarks

Weekly take: Is the standalone IP practice losing its edge?

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Patents

Rajah & Tann at 50: How Singapore gateway is driving global IP work

As international interest in Southeast Asia grows, Sheng Rong Tng discusses how changing client demands and the firm’s multidisciplinary model are helping it compete for complex regional mandates

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Patents

How orbital AI, biotechnology, and manufacturing may test existing patent law limits

Todd Hopfinger, director in Sterne Kessler’s electronics practice group, says IP owners are contemplating how patent rights will be enforced as commercial activity expands beyond Earth

Todd Hopfinger, September 17 2026

Patents

Exclusive: Carpmaels boosts patent litigation firepower with Freshfields hire

Christopher Stothers' arrival strengthens the firm's life sciences, technology and UPC offering as competition for top European litigators intensifies

Max Walters, September 17 2026

Patents

Not ‘that’ kind of lawyer: patent attorney shares career experience

Armstrong Teasdale’s Jim Heinen Jr discusses the challenge of balancing billables, business development and family life and explains why not all patent lawyers are science nerds

September 15 2026

Patents

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The UPC's next chapter: five trends likely to shape European patent litigation into 2030

From cross-border jurisdiction to the end of the transitional period, Powell Gilbert’s Ioana Sabau and Bryce Matthewson predict the biggest talking points ahead

Ioana Sabau, September 15 2026

Patents

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Beyond the headlines: Texas growth is no longer just a litigation play

A wave of office launches and lateral hires reflects the draw of patent disputes, but booming AI, semiconductor and data centre markets are offering an even bigger IP opportunity

Sanjana Mishra, September 14 2026

Patents

Exclusive: Simmons associate loss leaves patent prosecution team bare

The hire of Frederick Nicolle as a partner continues Pinsent Masons' expansion while reducing Simmons’ patent prosecution offering in London to zero

Max Walters, September 14 2026

Patents

Exclusive: ABG IP bets on regional innovation hubs with fifth Spain office

The expansion into Granada forms part of a national ‘decentralisation’ strategy focused on providing proximity to research and tech businesses away from traditional hubs

Max Walters, September 14 2026

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‘Busier than ever’: Latham & Watkins positions itself as a go-to ITC firm

Three successive wins have got the firm eyeing additional opportunities as ITC work booms

Sanjana Mishra, September 11 2026