Updates on IP news from our global team!

May Insights

OBWB Commemorates 27th Anniversary!

On May 1st, OBWB's Houston office celebrated the firm's 27th anniversary with our traditional crawfish boil. It was wonderful to commemorate this special occasion with so many of our team members. A great time was had by all.

Federal Circuit Drives Another Nail Into Patent Owners’ Coffins in Ingenico v. IOENGINE

In what has to rank as one of the most anti-patent owner decisions of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in recent years, the court held that “IPR estoppel does not preclude a [failed IPR] petitioner from relying on the same patents and printed publications as evidence in asserting a ground [of invalidity at a subsequent district court trial] that could not be raised during the IPR.” In resolving a sharp split of district court authority on the scope of Inter Partes Review (IPR) estoppel under 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(2) in favor of accused infringers and patent validity challengers, the Federal Circuit has again substantially devalued patents and the intellectual property of all patent owners. Some new ways to “game the system” created and approved by the court in Ingenico are all too easily seen, while clever counsel representing accused infringers will surely conjure others not immediately apparent.

CNIPA Issues Draft Amendments to Patent Examination Guidelines Focusing on Emerging Technologies and Practical Examination Issues

On April 30, 2025, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) released Draft Amendments to the Patent Examination Guidelines (Comment Draft). The Comment Draft introduces revisions that reflect CNIPA’s response to developments in emerging technologies targeting AI and video codec sectors as well as certain practical examination issues.

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Patent Agent Advancement:

OBWB's Commitment to Developing Practitioners

Nicolas Marquez Peraca, Ph.D.

An article written by OBWB Patent Engineer, Dr. Marquez Peraca, was recently featured in "The Agent" - The AIPLA Patent Agents Committee Publication. We are pleased to share this article with you.

Since its inception in 1998, OBWB has developed and continues to develop a technically and legally savvy team of patent professionals through its Intellectual Property Training Program (IPTP).

The Firm actively seeks out science and engineering graduates, often from academia or industry, recruiting them to join OBWB as Patent Engineers. As their expertise grows, Patent Engineers are encouraged to sit for the USPTO registration exam and become Patent Agents. Many graduates of the IPTP continue their professional journey, if desired, by enrolling in law school with tuition support from the Firm. In fact, the majority of OBWB Partners are graduates of the IPTP.

For professionals looking to shift gears into patent law without leaving their technical roots behind, the IPTP offers a clear and structured path.

IAM PATENT 2025

IAM Patent 1000 just published their 2025 list of top global patent service providers. Osha Bergman Watanabe & Burton LLP was delighted to be ranked again on their list. Congratulations to Jonathan Osha, Jeffrey Bergman, and Carlyn Burton on being recognized as "outstanding practitioners" in the legal industry.

"Veteran practitioner Jonathan Osha is highly sought after for his strategic counsel in managing complex international IP portfolios, making him a reliable and trusted expert in the field.

Also on the roster, Jeffrey Bergman brings his encyclopaedic knowledge of patent law, which he combines with his deep expertise in chemistry. He is well placed to delve into the intricacies of his clients’ patents and understand their unique business needs.

Also offering high-level prosecution services, Carlyn Burton can be relied on for her straightforward approach and ability to identify creative strategies when filing patents. She backs this up with a strong foundation in science and more than two decades of expertise."

#INTA2025

It was a pleasure to connect with so many colleagues at INTA's 2025 Annual Meeting in San Diego. Thank you to everyone who made time to visit us at our hospitality suite and exhibition booth.