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

Unlock this content.

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

To unlock this content:

Request Access or Login

Topics

more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

Patents

Breaking: Brown Rudnick hires 34-strong IP litigation team from HSF Kramer

The firm says new additions position Brown Rudnick as a market leader in tech, life sciences, and global litigation

Sanjana Mishra, August 05 2026

Following the chain of title: the hidden IP risk in technology M&A

Richard Quatrano, counsel at Olshan Frome Wolosky, shares why technology M&A buyers and sellers must verify written IP assignments, as broken ownership chains can undermine valuation, deal terms, and closing certainty

Richard Quatrano, August 05 2026

Washington, DC, USA- January12, 2020: Cleary Gottlieb law firm sign on office building wall at Washington, DC. Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, is an international white shoe law firm.

Collaborative opportunities draw White & Case partner to Cleary Gottlieb

Appointment of AI and copyright expert Anna Naydonov, as well as another partner from Orrick, shows how firms can attract top litigators through leveraging the power of their existing teams

Sanjana Mishra, August 05 2026

Patents

Businessman choosing best candidate from wooden blocks with glowing checkmark recruitment concept digital selection HR management hiring process professional decision making

US firms buy into UPC opportunity with Germany and UK hires

K&L Gates and Baker Botts have recruited leading patent practitioners from Wende IP and EIP, respectively, as they seek to strengthen European patent litigation capabilities

Max Walters, August 03 2026

Patents

A satellite view of the Indonesian archipelago from space showing islands and ocean

Beyond the headlines: The reshaping of Spruson's Asia practice

The departure of a large chunk of Spruson & Ferguson's legacy leadership could have destabilised the firm, but it's fighting back with strategic hires and promotions

Sukanya Sarkar, August 03 2026

Weekly take: The wolf huffed and puffed, but Peppa kept it simple

By accepting a relatively small sample of infringing content to grant worldwide relief, a UK court has adopted a pragmatic approach that could reduce the time and expense involved in huge enforcement actions

Max Walters, July 31 2026

Rankings Analysis

2026headers Rankings Release - analysis.png

IP STARS Americas rankings highlight firms’ cross-sector strength

This year’s IP STARS Americas rankings reveal that firms are expanding their capabilities, particularly in trade secrets and life sciences

Sanjana Mishra, July 30 2026

Rankings Analysis

2026headers Rankings Release - anouncement.png

Reaching the summit: IP STARS Americas rankings released

Law firms’ expanding IP capabilities are driving broader industry recognition across a wider range of practice areas

Sanjana Mishra, July 30 2026

Patents

Dynamic blue background with glowing golden arrow ascending, representing success and progress.

UPC update: Boutiques gain momentum | Arnold Ruess, Pentarc and Taylor Wessing feature in busy week

As specialist boutiques challenge traditional firm models, major disputes involving Disney, Ericsson, Siemens and Dolby highlight the firms winning work before the UPC

July 30 2026

Patents

Exclusive: Lumenci bets on damages expertise with senior economic hires

The firm has added two leading damages specialists as it expands beyond technical analysis and deepens its role in the economics of IP litigation

Sanjana Mishra, July 29 2026