,,ii #aad? ,,congress #a/ ,session ,s4 #aacg ,,9 ,,! ,,s5ate ,,( ,,! ,,unit$ ,,/ates ,april #bi1 #bjae,mr4 ,grassley 7= himself1 ,mr4 ,leahy1 ,mr4 ,cornyn1 ,mr4 ,s*um]1 ,mr4 ,lee1 ,mr4 ,hat*1 & ,ms4 ,klobu*>7 introduc$ ! foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 read twice & ref]r$ to ! ,committee on ! ,judici>y ,a ,,bill ,to am5d title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 & ! ,leahy-,smi? ,am]ica ,inv5ts ,act to make improvem5ts & te*nical corrections1 & = o!r purposes4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts 7a7 ,%ort title ,?is ,act may be cit$ z ! ,protect+ ,am]ican ,tal5t & ,entrepr5eur%ip ,act ( #bjae or ! ,,pat5t ,act4 7b7 ,table ( cont5ts ,! table ( cont5ts = ?is ,act is z foll[s3 ,sec4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts4 ,sec4 #b4 ,def9itions4 ,sec4 #c4 ,plead+ requirem5ts = pat5t infr+em5t actions4 ,sec4 #d4 ,cu/om]-suit exception4 ,sec4 #e4 ,discov]y limits4 ,sec4 #f4 ,proc$ures & practices to implem5t recomm5dations ( ! ,judicial ,conf]5ce4 ,sec4 #g4 ,fees & o!r exp5ses4 ,sec4 #h4 ,requirem5t ( cl>ity & specificity 9 dem& lett]s4 ,sec4 #i4 ,abusive dem& lett]s4 ,sec4 #aj4 ,transp>5cy ( pat5t transf]4 ,sec4 #aa4 ,protection ( intellectual prop]ty lic5ses 9 bankruptcy4 ,sec4 #ab4 ,small bus9ess education1 outrea*1 & in=mation access4 ,sec4 #ac4 ,/udies on pat5t transactions1 quality1 & exam9ation4 ,sec4 #ad4 ,te*nical corrections to ! ,leahy-,smi? ,am]ica ,inv5ts ,act & o!r improvem5ts4 ,sec4 #ae4 ,effective date4 ,sec4 #af4 ,sev]ability4 #b4 ,def9itions 7#a7 ,director ,! t]m ,director means ! ,"u ,secret>y ( ,comm]ce = ,intellectual ,prop]ty & ,director ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,pat5t & ,tradem>k ,(fice4 7#b7 ,(fice ,! t]m ,(fice means ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,pat5t & ,tradem>k ,(fice4 #c4 ,plead+ requirem5ts = pat5t infr+em5t actions 7a7 ,elim9ation ( ,=m #ah ,n lat] ?an #a mon? aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,supreme ,c\rt1 us+ exi/+ res\rces1 %all elim9ate ,=m #ah 9 ! ,app5dix to ! ,f$]al ,rules ( ,civil ,proc$ure 7,compla9t = ,pat5t ,infr+em5t74 7b7 ,plead+ requirem5ts 7#a7 ,am5dm5t ,*apt] #bi ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #bha ! foll[+3 #bha;,a4 ,plead+ requirem5ts = pat5t infr+em5t actions 7a7 ,plead+ requirem5ts ,9 a civil action 9 :i* a p>ty ass]ts a claim = relief aris+ "u any ,act ( ,congress relat+ to pat5ts1 a p>ty alleg+ infr+em5t %all include 9 a compla9t1 c\nt]claim1 or cross-claim = pat5t infr+em5t1 except z provid$ 9 subsection 7c71 ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,an id5tification ( ea* pat5t alleg$ly infr+$4 7#b7 ,an id5tification ( ea* claim ( ea* pat5t id5tifi$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 t is alleg$ly infr+$4 7#c7 ,= ea* claim id5tifi$ "u p>agraph 7#b71 an id5tification ( ea* accus$ process1 ma*9e1 manufacture1 or composition ( matt] 7ref]r$ to 9 ?is section z an accus$ in/rum5tality7 alleg$ to infr+e ! claim4 7#d7 ,= ea* accus$ in/rum5tality id5tifi$ "u p>agraph 7#c71 an id5tification ) p>ticul>ity1 if kn[n1 (-- 7,a7 ! "n or model numb] 7or a repres5tative model numb]7 ( ea* accus$ in/rum5tality2 or 7,b7 if !re is no "n or model numb]1 a description ( ea* accus$ in/rum5tality4 7#e7 ,= ea* claim id5tifi$ "u p>agraph 7#b71 a description ( ! elem5ts !re( t are alleg$ to be infr+$ by ! accus$ in/rum5tality & h[ ! accus$ in/rum5tality is alleg$ to infr+e ^? elem5ts4 7#f7 ,= ea* claim ( indirect infr+em5t1 a description ( ! acts ( ! alleg$ infr+] t are alleg$ to contribute to or induce ! direct infr+em5t4 7b7 ,dismissal = failure ,to meet plead+ requirem5ts ,! c\rt %all1 on ! motion ( any p>ty1 dismiss any c\nt or c\nts ( ! compla9t1 c\nt]claim1 or cross-claim = pat5t infr+em5t if ! requirem5ts ( p>agraphs 7#a7 ?r\gh 7#f7 ( subsection 7a7 are n met ) respect to su* c\nt or c\nts4 ,! fact t a p>ty pleads 9 accordance ) subsection 7c7 %all n be a basis = dismissal if ! p>ty none!less /ates a plausible claim = relief suffici5t "u ! ,f$]al ,rules ( ,civil ,proc$ure4 7c7 ,in=mation n accessible ,if "s subset ( in=mation requir$ to comply ) subsection 7a7 is n accessible to a p>ty aft] an inquiry reasonable "u ! circum/ances1 consi/5t ) rule #aa ( ! ,f$]al ,rules ( ,civil ,proc$ure1 an allegation requir+ t in=mation may be bas$ ^u a g5]al description ( t in=mation1 along ) a /atem5t z to :y ! in=mation is n accessible4 7d7 ,am5dm5t ( plead+s ,no?+ 9 ?is provision %all be con/ru$ to affect a p>ty's leave to am5d plead+s z specifi$ 9 ! ,f$]al ,rules ( ,civil ,proc$ure4 ,am5dm5ts p]mitt$ by ! c\rt are subject to ! plead+ requirem5ts set =? 9 ?is section4 7e7 ,confid5tial in=mation ,a p>ty requir$ to disclose in=mation describ$ "u subsection 7a7 may file in=mation believ$ to be confid5tial "u seal1 ) a motion sett+ =? good cause = su* seal+4 ,if su* motion is d5i$ by ! c\rt1 ! p>ty may seek to file an am5d$ plead+4 7f7 ,exemption ,subsection 7a7 %all n apply to a civil action t includes a claim = relief aris+ "u section #bga7;e77#b74 #bha;,b4 ,e>ly disclosure requirem5ts = pat5t infr+em5t actions 7a7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section-- 7#a7 ! t]m f9ancial int]e/-- 7,a7 means-- 7i7 ) reg>d to a pat5t or pat5ts1 ! "r ( a p]son to receive proce$s f ! ass]tion ( ! pat5t or pat5ts1 includ+ a fix$ or v>iable portion ( su* proce$s2 & 7ii7 ) reg>d to ! pat5tee1 direct or indirect own]%ip or control by a p]son ( m ?an #bj p]c5t ( ! pat5tee2 & 7,b7 does n mean-- 7i7 own]%ip ( %>es or o!r int]e/s 9 a mutual or common inve/m5t fund1 unless ! own] ( su* int]e/ p>ticipates 9 ! managem5t ( su* fund2 or 7ii7 ! propriet>y int]e/ ( a policyhold] 9 a mutual insurance company or a depositor 9 a mutual sav+s association1 or a simil> propriet>y int]e/1 unless ! outcome ( ! proce$+ c\ld sub/antially affect ! value ( su* int]e/2 7#b7 ! t]m pat5tee means a p>ty 9 a civil action t files a plead+ subject to ! requirem5ts ( section #bha;,a2 7#c7 ! t]m proce$+ means all /ages ( a civil action1 includ+ pretrial & trial proce$+s & appellate review2 & 7#d7 ! t]m ultimate p>5t entity has ! mean+ giv5 ! t]m 9 section #bfa;,a4 7b7 ,e>ly disclosure requirem5ts ,not)/&+ ! requirem5ts ( section #bii;,b1 a pat5tee %all disclose to ! c\rt & ea* adv]se p>ty1 n lat] ?an #ad days aft] ! date on :i* ! pat5tee s]ves or files ! plead+ subject to ! requirem5ts ( section #bha;,a-- 7#a7 ! id5tity ( ea*-- 7,a7 assignee ( ! pat5t or pat5ts at issue1 & any ultimate p>5t entity !re(2 7,b7 entity ) a "r to sublic5se to unaffiliat$ entities or to en=ce ! pat5t or pat5ts at issue1 & any ultimate p>5t entity !re(2 & 7,c7 entity1 o!r ?an an entity ! ultimate p>5t ( :i* is disclos$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7 or 7,b71 t ! pat5tee kn[s to h a f9ancial int]e/ 9-- 7i7 ! pat5t or pat5ts at issue2 or 7ii7 ! pat5tee1 & any ultimate p>5t entity !re(2 & 7#b7 = ea* pat5t t ! pat5tee alleges to be infr+$-- 7,a7 a li/ ( ea* compla9t1 c\nt]claim1 or cross-claim fil$ by ! pat5tee or an affiliate !re( 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates dur+ ! #c-ye> p]iod prec$+ ! date ( ! fil+ ( ! action1 & any o!r compla9t1 c\nt]claim1 or cross-claim fil$ 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates dur+ t p]iod ( :i* ! pat5tee has k1 t ass]ts or ass]t$ su* pat5t1 includ+-- 7i7 ! caption2 7ii7 civil action numb]2 7iii7 ! c\rt :]e ! action 0 fil$2 & 7iv7 if applicable1 any c\rt to :i* ! action 0 transf]r$2 7,b7 a /atem5t z to :e!r ! pat5t is subject to an assurance made by ! p>ty to a /&>ds developm5t organization to lic5se o!rs "u su* pat5t if-- 7i7 ! assurance specifically id5tifies su* pat5t or claims !re92 & 7ii7 ! allegation ( infr+em5t relates to su* /&>d2 & 7,c7 a /atem5t z to :e!r ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t has impos$ specific lic5s+ requirem5ts ) respect to su* pat5t4 7c7 ,disclosure ( f9ancial int]e/ 7#a7 ,publicly trad$ ,= purposes ( subsection 7b77#a77;,c71 if ! f9ancial int]e/ is held by a corporation trad$ on a public /ock ex*ange1 an id5tification ( ! "n ( ! corporation & ! public ex*ange li/+ %all satisfy ! disclosure requirem5t4 7#b7 ,n publicly trad$ ,= purposes ( subsection 7b77#a77;,c71 if ! f9ancial int]e/ is n held by a publicly trad$ corporation1 ! disclosure %all satisfy ! disclosure requirem5t if ! in=mation id5tifies-- 7,a7 9 ! case ( a p>tn]%ip1 ! "n ( ! p>tn]%ip1 ! address ( ! pr9cipal place ( bus9ess1 & ! "n & correspond5ce address ( ! regi/]$ ag5t2 7,b7 9 ! case ( a corporation1 ! "n ( ! corporation1 ! location ( incorporation1 & ! address ( ! pr9cipal place ( bus9ess2 & 7,c7 = ea* individual1 ! "n & correspond5ce address ( t individual4 7d7 ,provision ( in=mation to ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,pat5t & ,tradem>k ,(fice ,n lat] ?an #a mon? aft] ! date on :i* ! disclosures requir$ "u subsection 7b7 are made1 ! pat5tee %all provide to ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,pat5t & ,tradem>k ,(fice a fil+ conta9+ ! in=mation disclos$ pursuant to subsection 7b77#a74 7e7 ,confid5tial in=mation 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,a pat5tee requir$ to disclose in=mation "u subsection 7b7 may file1 "u seal1 in=mation believ$ to be confid5tial1 ) a motion sett+ =? good cause = su* seal+4 7#b7 ,home address in=mation ,= purposes ( ?is section1 ! home address ( an individual %all be consid]$ to be confid5tial in=mation4 4 7#b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,! table ( sections = *apt] #bi ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #bha ! foll[+ new items3 #bha;,a4 ,plead+ requirem5ts = pat5t infr+em5t actions4 #bha;,b4 ,e>ly disclosure requirem5ts = pat5t infr+em5t actions4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5ts made by ?is section %all take effect on ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act & %all apply to any action = :i* a compla9t is fil$ on or aft] t date4 #d4 ,cu/om]-suit exception 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #bi ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 #bii;,a4 ,cu/om] /ay 7a7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section-- 7#a7 ! t]m cov]$ cu/om] means a retail] or end us] t is accus$ ( infr++ a pat5t or pat5ts 9 dispute bas$ on-- 7,a7 ! sale1 or (f] = sale1 ( a cov]$ product or cov]$ process )\t mat]ial modification ( ! product or process 9 a mann] t is alleg$ to infr+e a pat5t or pat5ts 9 dispute2 or 7,b7 ! use by su* retail]1 ! retail]'s end us] cu/om]1 or an end us] ( a cov]$ product or cov]$ process )\t mat]ial modification ( ! product or process 9 a mann] t is alleg$ to infr+e a pat5t or pat5ts 9 dispute2 7#b7 ! t]m cov]$ manufactur] means a p]son :o manufactures or supplies1 or causes ! manufacture or supply (1 a cov]$ product or cov]$ process1 or a relevant "p !re(2 7#c7 ! t]m cov]$ process means a process1 me?od1 or a relevant "p !re(1 t is alleg$ to infr+e ! pat5t or pat5ts 9 dispute :]e su* process1 me?od1 or relevant "p !re( is implem5t$ by an app>atus1 mat]ial1 sy/em1 s(tw>e or o!r in/rum5tality t is provid$ by ! cov]$ manufactur]2 7#d7 ! t]m cov]$ product means a compon5t1 product1 sy/em1 s]vice1 or a relevant "p !re(1 t-- 7,a7 is alleg$ to infr+e ! pat5t or pat5ts 9 dispute2 or 7,b7 implem5ts a process alleg$ to infr+e ! pat5t or pat5ts 9 dispute2 7#e7 = purposes ( ?is section1 ! t]m end us] %all include an affiliate ( su* an end us]1 b %all n include an entity t manufactures or causes ! manufacture ( a cov]$ product or cov]$ process or a relevant "p !re(2 7#f7 ! t]m retail] means an entity t g5]ates its rev5ues pr$om9ately ?r\gh ! sale to ! public ( consum] goods or s]vices1 or an affiliate ( su* entity1 b %all n include an entity t manufactures or causes ! manufacture ( a cov]$ product or cov]$ process or a relevant "p !re(2 & 7#g7 = purposes ( ! def9itions 9 p>agraphs 7#e7 & 7#f71 ! t]ms use & sale mean ! use & ! sale1 respectively1 )9 ! mean+s giv5 ^? t]ms "u section #bga4 7b7 ,motion = /ay ,9 a civil action 9 :i* a p>ty ass]ts a claim = relief aris+ "u any ,act ( ,congress relat+ to pat5ts 7o!r ?an an action t includes a cause ( action describ$ 9 section #bga7;e771 ! c\rt %all grant a motion to /ay at lea/ ! portion ( ! action aga9/ a cov]$ cu/om] t relates to infr+em5t ( a pat5t involv+ a cov]$ product or cov]$ process if-- 7#a7 ! cov]$ manufactur] is a p>ty to ! action or a sep>ate action 9 a ,f$]al c\rt ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates involv+ ! same pat5t or pat5ts relat+ to ! same cov]$ product or cov]$ process2 7#b7 ! cov]$ cu/om] agrees to be b\nd z to issues det]m9$ 9 an action describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 )\t a full & fair opportunity to sep>ately litigate any su* issue1 b only z to ^? issues = :i* all o!r elem5ts ( ! common law doctr9e ( issue preclusion are met2 & 7#c7 ! motion is fil$ aft] ! fir/ plead+ 9 ! action b n lat] ?an ! lat] (-- 7,a7 #abj days aft] s]vice ( ! fir/ plead+ or pap] 9 ! action t specifically id5tifies ! cov]$ product or cov]$ process z a basis = ! alleg$ infr+em5t ( ! pat5t by ! cov]$ cu/om]1 & specifically id5tifies h[ ! cov]$ product or cov]$ process is alleg$ to infr+e ! pat5t2 or 7,b7 ! date on :i* ! fir/ s*$ul+ ord] 9 ! case is ent]$4 7c7 ,manufactur] cons5t 9 c]ta9 cases ,if ! cov]$ manufactur] has be5 made a p>ty to ! action on motion by ! cov]$ cu/om]1 !n a motion "u subsection 7b7 may only be grant$ if ! cov]$ manufactur] & ! cov]$ cu/om] agree 9 writ+ to ! /ay4 7d7 ,lift ( /ay 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,a /ay ent]$ "u ?is section may be lift$ ^u grant ( a motion bas$ on a %[+ t-- 7,a7 ! action involv+ ! cov]$ manufactur] w n resolve major issues 9 ! suit aga9/ ! cov]$ cu/om]1 su* z t a cov]$ product or cov]$ process id5tifi$ 9 ! motion to lift ! /ay is n a mat]ial "p ( ! claim$ inv5tion or inv5tions 9 ! pat5t or pat5ts 9 dispute2 or 7,b7 ! /ay unreasonably prejudices or w\ld be manife/ly unju/ to ! p>ty seek+ to lift ! /ay4 7#b7 ,sep>ate actions ,9 ! case ( a /ay ent]$ "u ?is section bas$ on ! p>ticipation ( ! cov]$ manufactur] 9 a sep>ate action describ$ 9 subsection 7b77#a71 a motion "u p>agraph 7#a7 may only be grant$ if ! c\rt 9 su* sep>ate action det]m9es t ! %[+ requir$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 has be5 made4 7e7 ,waiv] ( e/oppel effect ,if1 foll[+ ! grant ( a motion to /ay "u ?is section1 ! cov]$ manufactur] 9 an action describ$ 9 subsection 7b77#a7-- 7#a7 obta9s or cons5ts to entry ( a cons5t judgm5t involv+ "o or m ( ! issues t gave rise to ! /ay2 or 7#b7 fails to prosecute to a f9al1 non-appealable judgm5t a f9al decision z to "o or m ( ! issues t gave rise to ! /ay1 ! c\rt may1 ^u motion1 det]m9e t su* cons5t judgm5t or unappeal$ f9al decision %all n be b9d+ on ! cov]$ cu/om] ) respect to "o or m ( ! issues t gave rise to ! /ay bas$ on a %[+ t su* an outcome w\ld unreasonably prejudice or be manife/ly unju/ to ! cov]$ cu/om] 9 light ( ! circum/ances ( ! case4 7f7 ,rule ( con/ruction ,no?+ 9 ?is section %all be con/ru$ to limit ! ability ( a c\rt to grant any /ay1 exp& any /ay grant$ pursuant to ?is section1 or grant any motion to int]v5e1 if o!rwise p]mitt$ by law4 4 7b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,! table ( sections = *apt] #bi ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 #bii;,a4 ,cu/om] /ay4 4 #e4 ,discov]y limits 7a7 ,am5dm5t ,*apt] #bi ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ by section #d1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 #bii;,b4 ,discov]y 9 pat5t infr+em5t action 7a7 ,discov]y 9 pat5t infr+em5t action 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,except z provid$ 9 subsections 7b7 & 7c71 9 a civil action aris+ "u any ,act ( ,congress relat+ to pat5ts1 discov]y %all be /ay$ dur+ ! p5d5cy ( #a or m motions describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b7 if ! motion or motions 7 fil$ prior to ! fir/ responsive plead+4 7#b7 ,motions describ$ ,! motions describ$ 9 ?is p>agraph are-- 7,a7 a motion to dismiss2 7,b7 a motion to transf] v5ue2 & 7,c7 a motion to sev] accus$ infr+]s4 7b7 ,discretion ,to exp& scope ( discov]y 7#a7 ,resolution ( motions ,a c\rt may all[ limit$ discov]y necess>y to resolve a motion describ$ 9 subsection 7a7 or a motion = prelim9>y relief prop]ly rais$ by a p>ty be=e or dur+ ! p5d5cy ( a motion describ$ 9 subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,additional discov]y ,on motion1 a c\rt may all[ additional discov]y if ! c\rt f9ds t su* discov]y is necess>y to pres]ve evid5ce or o!rwise prev5t specific prejudice to a p>ty4 7c7 ,exclusion f discov]y limitation 7#a7 ,volunt>y exclusion ,! p>ties to an action describ$ 9 subsection 7a7 may volunt>ily cons5t to be exclud$1 9 :ole or 9 "p1 f ! limitation on discov]y "u subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,claims "u section #bga7;e7 ,?is section %all n apply to a civil action t includes a claim = relief aris+ "u section #bga7;e74 7d7 ,rules ( con/ruction 7#a7 ,timel9e = responsive plead+s ,no?+ 9 ?is section %all be con/ru$ to alt] ! "t provid$ by ! ,f$]al ,rules ( ,civil ,proc$ure = ! fil+ ( responsive plead+s4 7#b7 ,ex*ange ( cont5tions ,no?+ 9 ?is section %all prohibit a c\rt f ord]+ or local rules f requir+ ! ex*ange ( cont5tions reg>d+ infr+em5t1 non-infr+em5t1 invalidity or o!r issues1 by int]rogatories or o!r writt5 initial disclosures1 at an appropriate "t det]m9$ by ! c\rt4 4 7b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,! table ( sections = *apt] #bi ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ by section #d1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #bii;,a ! foll[+3 #bii;,b4 ,discov]y 9 pat5t infr+em5t action4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5ts made by ?is section %all take effect on ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act & %all apply to any action = :i* a compla9t is fil$ on or aft] t date4 #f4 ,proc$ures & practices to implem5t recomm5dations ( ! ,judicial ,conf]5ce 7a7 ,judicial ,conf]5ce rules & proc$ures on discov]y burd5s & co/s 7#a7 ,rules & proc$ures ,! ,judicial ,conf]5ce ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 us+ exi/+ res\rces1 %\ld develop rules & proc$ures to implem5t ! discov]y proposals describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b7 to address conc]ns reg>d+ ! asymmetries 9 discov]y burd5s & co/s t may arise 9 a civil action aris+ "u any ,act ( ,congress relat+ to pat5ts4 7#b7 ,rules & proc$ures to be consid]$ ,! rules & proc$ures to be develop$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %\ld address ea* ( ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,discov]y ( core docum5t>y evid5ce ,to :at ext5t ea* p>ty to ! action is entitl$ to receive core docum5t>y evid5ce & %\ld be responsible = ! co/s ( produc+ core docum5t>y evid5ce )9 ! possession or control ( ea* su* p>ty1 & to :at ext5t ea* p>ty to ! action may seek noncore docum5t>y discov]y z o!rwise provid$ 9 ! ,f$]al ,rules ( ,civil ,proc$ure4 7,b7 ,electronic communication ,if ! p>ties reque/ discov]y ( electronic communication1 h[ su* discov]y %\ld be phas$ to occur relative to ! ex*ange ( initial disclosures & core docum5t>y evid5ce1 & appropriate limitations to apply to su* discov]y4 7,c7 ,additional docum5t discov]y ,! mann] & ext5t to :i* ! foll[+ %\ld apply3 7i7 ,9 g5]al ,ea* p>ty to ! action may seek any additional docum5t discov]y beyond core docum5t>y evid5ce z p]mitt$ "u ! ,f$]al ,rules ( ,civil ,proc$ure1 if su* p>ty be>s ! reasonable co/s1 includ+ reasonable attorney's fees1 ( ! additional docum5t discov]y4 7ii7 ,requirem5ts = additional docum5t discov]y ,unless ! p>ties mutually agree o!rwise1 no p>ty may be p]mitt$ additional docum5t discov]y unless su* a p>ty po/s a bond1 or provides o!r security1 9 an am\nt suffici5t to cov] ! expect$ co/s ( su* additional docum5t discov]y1 or makes a %[+ to ! c\rt t su* p>ty has ! f9ancial capacity to pay ! co/s ( su* additional docum5t discov]y4 7iii7 ,good cause modification ,a c\rt1 ^u motion & = good cause %[n1 may modify ! requirem5ts ( subp>agraphs 7,a7 & 7,b7 & any def9ition "u p>agraph 7#c74 ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] ! pretrial conf]5ce "u rule #af ( ! ,f$]al ,rules ( ,civil ,proc$ure1 ! p>ties %all jo9tly submit any propos$ modifications ( ! requirem5ts ( subp>agraphs 7,a7 & 7,b7 & any def9ition "u p>agraph 7#c71 unless ! p>ties d n agree1 9 :i* case ea* p>ty %all submit any propos$ modification ( su* p>ty & a summ>y ( ! disagreem5t ov] ! modification4 7iv7 ,comput] code ,a c\rt1 ^u motion & = good cause %[n1 may det]m9e t comput] code %\ld be includ$ 9 ! discov]y ( core docum5t>y evid5ce4 ,! discov]y ( comput] code %all occur aft] ! p>ties h ex*ang$ initial disclosures & o!r core docum5t>y evid5ce4 7,d7 ,discov]y sequ5ce & scope ,! mann] & ext5t to :i* ! p>ties %all discuss & address 9 ! writt5 report fil$ pursuant to rule #bf7;f7 ( ! ,f$]al ,rules ( ,civil ,proc$ure ! views & proposals ( ea* p>ty on ! foll[+3 7i7 ,:5 ! discov]y ( core docum5t>y evid5ce %\ld be complet$4 7ii7 ,:e!r additional docum5t discov]y w be s\ght "u subp>agraph 7,c74 7iii7 ,any issues ab\t infr+em5t1 invalidity1 or damages t1 if resolv$ be=e ! additional discov]y describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,c7 comm5ces1 might simplify or /reaml9e ! case4 7#c7 ,scope ( docum5t>y evid5ce ,9 develop+ rules or proc$ures "u ?is section1 ! ,judicial ,conf]5ce %\ld consid] :i* k9ds ( evid5ce con/itute core docum5t>y evid5ce4 7#d7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is subsection ! t]m electronic communication means any =m ( electronic communication1 includ+ email1 text message1 or in/ant message4 7b7 ,judicial ,conf]5ce pat5t case managem5t ,! ,judicial ,conf]5ce ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 us+ exi/+ res\rces1 %\ld develop case managem5t proc$ures to be implem5t$ by ! ,unit$ ,/ates di/rict c\rts & ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rt ( ,f$]al ,claims = any civil action aris+ "u any ,act ( ,congress relat+ to pat5ts1 includ+ initial disclosure & e>ly case managem5t conf]5ce practices t-- 7#a7 w id5tify any pot5tial dispositive issues ( ! case2 & 7#b7 focus on e>ly summ>y judgm5t motions :5 resolution ( issues may lead to exp$it$ disposition ( ! case4 #g4 ,fees & o!r exp5ses 7a7 ,s5se ( ,congress ,x is ! s5se ( ,congress t1 9 pat5t cases1 reasonable attorney fees %\ld be paid by a non-prevail+ p>ty ^: litigation position or conduct is n objectively reasonable4 ,z ! ,supreme ,c\rt wrote 9 adopt+ ?is legal /&>d 9 ! context ( fee %ift+ "u section #addg ( title #bh1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 ?is /&>d is int5d$ to /rike a balance2 9 pat5t cases1 a m appropriate balance betwe5 protect+ ! "r ( a pat5t hold] to en=ce its pat5t on ! "o h&1 & det]r+ abuses 9 pat5t litigation & ?reats !re( on ! o!r4 7b7 ,am5dm5t ,section #bhe ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 #bhe4 ,fees & o!r exp5ses 7a7 ,aw>d ,9 connection ) a civil action 9 :i* any p>ty ass]ts a claim = relief aris+ "u any ,act ( ,congress relat+ to pat5ts1 ^u motion by a prevail+ p>ty1 ! c\rt %all det]m9e :e!r ! position ( ! non-prevail+ p>ty 0 objectively reasonable 9 law & fact1 & :e!r ! conduct ( ! non-prevail+ p>ty 0 objectively reasonable4 ,if ! c\rt f9ds t ! position ( ! non-prevail+ p>ty 0 n objectively reasonable 9 law or fact or t ! conduct ( ! non-prevail+ p>ty 0 n objectively reasonable1 ! c\rt %all aw>d reasonable attorney fees to ! prevail+ p>ty unless special circum/ances w\ld make an aw>d unju/4 7b7 ,cov5ant n ,to sue ,a p>ty to a civil action :o ass]ts a claim = relief aris+ "u any ,act ( ,congress relat+ to pat5ts aga9/ ano!r p>ty1 & :o subsequ5tly unilat]ally 7i7 seeks dismissal ( ! action )\t cons5t ( ! o!r p>ty & 7ii7 ext5ds to su* o!r p>ty a cov5ant n to sue = infr+em5t ) respect to ! pat5t or pat5ts at issue1 may be ! subject ( a motion = attorney fees "u subsection 7a7 z if x 7 a non-prevail+ p>ty1 unless ! p>ty ass]t+ su* claim w\ld h be5 entitl$1 at ! "t t su* cov5ant 0 ext5d$1 to dismiss volunt>ily ! action )\t a c\rt ord] "u rule #da ( ! ,f$]al ,rules ( ,civil ,proc$ure1 or ! int]e/s ( ju/ice require o!rwise4 7c7 ,recov]y ( aw>d 7#a7 ,c]tification2 disclosure ( int]e/$ p>ties 7,a7 ,initial /atem5t ,a p>ty def5d+ aga9/ a claim ( infr+em5t may file1 n lat] ?an #ad days be=e a s*$ul+ conf]5ce is to be held or a s*$ul+ ord] is due "u rule #af7;b7 ( ! ,f$]al ,rules ( ,civil ,proc$ure1 a /atem5t t su* p>ty holds a good fai? belief1 bas$ on publicly-available in=mation & any o!r in=mation kn[n to su* p>ty1 t ! prim>y bus9ess ( ! p>ty alleg+ infr+em5t is ! ass]tion & en=cem5t ( pat5ts or ! lic5s+ result+ !refrom4 7,b7 ,c]tification ,n lat] ?an #de days aft] be+ s]v$ ) an initial /atem5t "u subp>agraph 7,a71 a p>ty alleg+ infr+em5t %all file a c]tification t-- 7i7 e/abli%es & c]tifies to ! c\rt1 "u oa?1 t x w h suffici5t funds available to satisfy any aw>d ( reasonable attorney fees "u ?is section if an aw>d is assess$2 7ii7 demon/rates t its prim>y bus9ess is n ! ass]tion & en=cem5t ( pat5ts or ! lic5s+ result+ !refrom2 7iii7 id5tifies int]e/$ p>ties1 if any1 z def9$ 9 p>agraph 7#b7 ( ?is subsection2 or 7iv7 /ates t x has no su* int]e/$ p>ties4 ,a p>ty alleg+ infr+em5t %all h an ongo+ obligation to supplem5t its c]tification "u ?is subp>agraph )9 #cj days aft] a mat]ial *ange to ! in=mation provid$ 9 its c]tification4 7,c7 ,notice to int]e/$ p>ty ,a p>ty t files a c]tification "u subp>agraph 7,b77iii7 %all1 prior to fil+ ! c]tification1 provide ea* id5tifi$ int]e/$ p>ty actual notice 9 writ+ by s]vice ( notice 9 any di/rict :]e ! int]e/$ p>ty may be f\nd1 su* t jurisdiction %all be e/abli%$ ov] ea* int]e/$ p>ty to ! action = purposes ( en=c+ an aw>d ( attorney fees "u ?is section1 consi/5t ) ! ,con/itution ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates4 ,! notice %all id5tify ! action1 ! p>ties1 ! pat5ts at issue1 & ! int]e/ qualify+ ! p>ty to be an int]e/$ p>ty4 ,! notice %all in=m ! recipi5t t ! recipi5t may be held acc\ntable "u ?is subsection = any aw>d ( attorney fees1 or a portion !re(1 result+ f ! action 9 ! ev5t ! p>ty alleg+ infr+em5t _c satisfy ! full am\nt ( su* an aw>d1 unless ! recipi5t r5\nces its int]e/ pursuant to subp>agraph 7,e7 or is o!rwise exempt f ! applicability ( ?is subsection4 7,d7 ,acc\ntability = int]e/$ p>ties ,any int]e/$ p>ties :o are timely s]v$ ) actual notice pursuant to subp>agraph 7,c7 & d n r5\nce _! int]e/s pursuant to subp>agraph 7,e7 or are n o!rwise exempt f ! applicability ( ?is subsection may be held acc\ntable = any fees1 or a portion !re(1 aw>d$ "u ?is section 9 ! ev5t t ! p>ty alleg+ infr+em5t _c satisfy ! full am\nt ( ! aw>d4 ,if a true & correct c]tification "u clause 7i7 or 7ii7 ( subp>agraph 7,b7 is timely fil$ ) ! c\rt1 int]e/$ p>ties %all n be subject to ?is subp>agraph4 7,e7 ,r5unciation ( int]e/ ,any recipi5t ( a notice "u subp>agraph 7,c7 may submit a /atem5t ( r5unciation ( int]e/ 9 a b9d+ docum5t ) notice to ! c\rt & p>ties 9 ! action n lat] ?an #abj days aft] receipt ( ! notice "u subp>agraph 7,c74 ,! /atem5t %all be requir$ to r5\nce only su* int]e/ z w\ld qualify ! recipi5t z an int]e/$ p>ty4 7,f7 ,in/itutions ( high] education exception ,any in/itution ( high] education 7z def9$ 9 section #aja7;a7 ( ! ,high] ,education ,act ( #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja7;a77 or "u equival5t laws 9 =eign jurisdictions71 or a non-pr(it te*nology transf] organization ^: prim>y purpose is to facilitate ! comm]cialization ( te*nologies develop$ by #a or m in/itutions ( high] education1 may exempt itself f ! applicability ( ?is subsection by fil+ a c]tification t x qualifies = ! exception provid$ = 9 ?is subp>agraph ) ! c\rt & provid+ notice to ! p>ties4 7,g7 ,int]e/ ( ju/ice exception ,any recipi5t ( a notice "u subp>agraph 7,c7 may int]v5e 9 ! action = purposes ( conte/+ its id5tification z an int]e/$ p>ty or its liability "u ?is subsection1 & a c\rt may exempt any p>ty id5tifi$ z an int]e/$ p>ty f ! applicability ( ?is subsection z ! int]e/ ( ju/ice requires4 7#b7 ,int]e/$ p>ty ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m int]e/$ p>ty-- 7,a7 means a p]son :o has a sub/antial f9ancial int]e/ relat$ to ! proce$s f any settlem5t1 lic5se1 or damages aw>d result+ f ! en=cem5t ( ! pat5t 9 ! action by ! p>ty alleg+ infr+em5t2 7,b7 does n include an attorney or law firm provid+ legal repres5tation 9 ! action if ! sole basis = ! f9ancial int]e/ ( ! attorney or law firm 9 ! outcome ( ! action arises f ! attorney or law firm's receipt ( comp5sation reasonably relat$ to ! provision ( ! legal repres5tation2 7,c7 does n include a p]son :o has assign$ all "r1 title1 & int]e/ 9 a pat5t1 except = passive receipt ( income1 to an entity describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a77;,f71 or :o has a "r to receive any portion ( su* passive income2 & 7,d7 does n include a p]son :o w\ld be an int]e/$ p>ty "u subp>agraph 7,a7 b ^: f9ancial int]e/ is bas$ solely on an equity or security int]e/ e/abli%$ :5 ! p>ty alleg+ infr+em5t's prim>y bus9ess 0 n ! ass]tion & en=cem5t ( pat5ts or ! lic5s+ result+ !refrom4 7d7 ,claims "u section #bga7;e7 7#a7 ,applicability ,subsections 7a71 7b71 & 7c7 %all n apply to a civil action t includes a claim = relief aris+ "u section #bga7;e74 7#b7 ,aw>d 9 c]ta9 claims "u section #bga7;e7 ,9 a civil action t includes a claim = relief aris+ "u section #bga7;e71 ! c\rt may 9 exceptional cases aw>d reasonable attorney fees to ! prevail+ p>ty4 4 7c7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t & am5dm5t 7#a7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,! item relat+ to section #bhe ( ! table ( sections = *apt] #bi ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 #bhe4 ,fees & o!r exp5ses4 4 7#b7 ,am5dm5t ,section #bgc ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ subsections 7f7 & 7g74 7d7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5ts made by ?is section %all take effect on ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act & %all apply to any action fil$ on or aft] su* date4 #h4 ,requirem5t ( cl>ity & specificity 9 dem& lett]s 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #bi ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ by section #e1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 #bii;,c4 ,pre-suit writt5 notice 7a7 ,applicability ,subsection 7b7 %all n apply-- 7#a7 to writt5 communication betwe5 p>ties-- 7,a7 reg>d+ exi/+ lic5s+ agreem5ts2 7,b7 z "p ( an ongo+ lic5s+ negotiation1 provid$ t ! initial writt5 notice compli$ ) ! requirem5ts ( subsection 7b7 ( ?is section2 or 7,c7 s5t aft] ! initial writt5 notice1 provid$ t ! initial writt5 notice compli$ ) ! requirem5ts ( subsection 7b7 ( ?is section2 or 7#b7 if ! c\rt det]m9es x is 9 ! int]e/ ( ju/ice to waive ! requirem5ts ( subsection 7b74 7b7 ,writt5 notification requirem5ts 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,9 a civil action alleg+ infr+em5t ( a pat5t 9 :i* ! pla9tiff has provid$ writt5 notice ( ! accusation ( infr+em5t to ! p>ty accus$ ( infr+em5t prior to fil+ ! action1 ! initial writt5 notice %all conta9 ! in=mation requir$ "u p>agraph 7#b7 or be subject to p>agraph 7#c74 7#b7 ,requir$ in=mation provid$ 9 initial writt5 notice ,! initial writt5 notice describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 %all conta91 at a m9imum-- 7,a7 an id5tification (-- 7i7 ea* pat5t believ$ to be infr+$1 includ+ ! pat5t numb]2 & 7ii7 at lea/ "o claim ( ea* pat5t t is believ$ to be infr+$2 7,b7 an id5tification ( ea* product1 process1 app>atus1 or *emical composition1 includ+ any manufactur] !re(1 t is believ$ to infr+e "o or m claims ( ea* pat5t "u subp>agraph 7,a72 7,c7 a cle> & detail$ description ( ! reasons :y ! pla9tiff believes ea* pat5t id5tifi$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7 is infr+$2 7,d7 notice to ! int5d$ recipi5t t ! int5d$ recipi5t may h ! "r to a /ay ( any suit 9 accordance ) section #bii;,a2 7,e7 ! id5tity ( any p]son ) ! "r to en=ce ea* pat5t "u subp>agraph 7,a72 & 7,f7 if comp5sation is propos$1 a %ort & pla9 /atem5t z to h[ t propos$ comp5sation 0 det]m9$4 7#c7 ,additional "t to respond ,if ! initial writt5 notice provid$ to ! def5dant prior to ! fil+ ( ! civil action did n conta9 ! in=mation requir$ by p>agraph 7#b71 ! def5dant's "t to respond to ! compla9t %all be ext5d$ by an additional #cj days4 4 7b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,! table ( sections = *apt] #bi ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ by section #e1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 #bii;,c4 ,pre-suit writt5 notice4 4 7c7 ,willful infr+em5t ,section #bhd ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 ! fir/ undesignat$ p>agraph1 by /rik+ ,^u f9d+ & ins]t+ 7a7 ,9 g5]al4--,^u f9d+2 7#b7 9 ! second undesignat$ p>agraph1 by /rik+ ,:5 ! damages & ins]t+ 7b7 ,assessm5t by c\rt2 treble damages4--,:5 ! damages2 7#c7 by ins]t+ aft] subsection 7b71 z designat$ by subp>agraph 7,b71 ! foll[+3 7c7 ,willful infr+em5t ,a claimant seek+ to e/abli% willful infr+em5t may n rely on evid5ce ( pre-suit notification ( infr+em5t unless t notification complies ) ! /&>ds set out 9 section #bii;,c7b77#b74 2 & 7#d7 9 ! la/ undesignat$ p>agraph1 by /rik+ ,! c\rt & ins]t+ 7d7 ,exp]t te/imony4--,! c\rt4 7d7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5ts made by ?is section %all take effect on ! date t is #a ye> aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act & %all apply to any action = :i* a compla9t is fil$ on or aft] t date4 #i4 ,abusive dem& lett]s 7a7 ,bad-,fai? dem& lett]s ,*apt] #bi ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ by section #h1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 #bii;,d4 ,bad-fai? dem& lett]s 7a7 ,def9ition ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m affiliat$ p]son means a p]son affiliat$ ) ! int5d$ recipi5t ( a writt5 communication4 7b7 ,civil p5alties = c]ta9 unfair or deceptive acts or practices 9 connection ) abusive dem& lett]s ,a p]son :o commits an unfair or deceptive act or practice )9 ! mean+ ( section #e7;a77#a7 ( ! ,f$]al ,trade ,commission ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #de7;a77#a771 9 connection ) ! ass]tion ( a ,unit$ ,/ates pat5t1 & :o engages 9 ! widespread s5d+ ( writt5 communications repres5t+ t ! int5d$ recipi5ts1 or any p]sons affiliat$ ) ^? recipi5ts1 are or may be infr++1 or h or may h infr+$1 ! pat5t & may be> liability or owe comp5sation to ano!r1 %all be deem$ to h violat$ a rule def9+ an unfair or deceptive act or practice describ$ "u section #ah7;a77#a77;,b7 ( ! ,f$]al ,trade ,commission ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #eg;a7a77#a77;,b77 if-- 7#a7 7,a7 ! communications falsely-- 7i7 repres5t t adm9i/rative or judicial relief has be5 s\ght aga9/ ! recipi5t or o!rs2 or 7ii7 ?reat5 litigation if comp5sation is n paid1 ! infr+em5t issue is n o!rwise resolv$1 or ! communication is n respond$ to2 & 7,b7 !re is a patt]n ( false /atem5ts or ?reats describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,a7 hav+ be5 made )\t litigation or o!r relief !n hav+ be5 pursu$2 7#b7 ! ass]tions conta9$ 9 ! communications lack a reasonable basis 9 fact or law1 because-- 7,a7 ! p]son ass]t+ ! pat5t is n a p]son1 or does n repres5t a p]son1 ) ! curr5t "r to lic5se ! pat5t to1 or to en=ce ! pat5t aga9/1 ! int5d$ recipi5ts or any affiliat$ p]sons2 7,b7 ! communications seek comp5sation on acc\nt ( activities und]tak5 aft] ! pat5t has expir$2 7,c7 ! communications seek comp5sation = a pat5t t has be5 held to be invalid or un5=ceable 9 a f9al judicial or adm9i/rative proce$+ t is unappealable or = :i* any opportunity = appeal is no long] available2 7,d7 ! communications seek comp5sation = activities by ! recipi5t t ! s5d] kn[s d n infr+e ! pat5t because su* activities are au?oriz$ by ! pat5tee2 7,e7 ! communications falsely repres5t t an inve/igation ( ! recipi5t's alleg$ infr+em5t has occurr$2 or 7,f7 ! communications falsely /ate t litigation has be5 fil$ aga9/1 or a lic5se has be5 paid by p]sons simil>ly situat$ to ! recipi5t2 or 7#c7 ! cont5t ( ! writt5 communications is likely to mat]ially mislead a reasonable recipi5t because ! cont5t fails to include facts reasonably necess>y to in=m ! recipi5t-- 7,a7 ( ! id5tity ( ! p]son ass]t+ a "r to lic5se ! pat5t to1 or en=ce ! pat5t aga9/1 ! int5d$ recipi5t or any affiliat$ p]son2 7,b7 ( ! pat5t issu$ by ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,pat5t & ,tradem>k ,(fice alleg$ to h be5 infr+$2 & 7,c7 if infr+em5t or ! ne$ to pay comp5sation = a lic5se is alleg$1 ( an id5tification ( at lea/ "o product1 s]vice1 or o!r activity ( ! recipi5t t is alleg$ to infr+e ! id5tifi$ pat5t or pat5ts &1 unless ! in=mation is n readily accessible1 an explanation ( ! basis = su* allegation4 7c7 ,en=cem5t by ,f$]al ,trade ,commission 7#a7 ,p[]s ( ,commission ,! ,f$]al ,trade ,commission %all en=ce ?is section 9 ! same mann]1 by ! same means1 & ) ! same jurisdiction1 p[]s1 & duties z ?\gh all applicable t]ms & provisions ( ! ,f$]al ,trade ,commission ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #da et seq47 7 incorporat$ into & made a "p ( ?is section4 7#b7 ,privileges & immunities ,any p]son :o engages 9 an act or practice describ$ 9 subsection 7b7 %all be subject to ! p5alties & entitl$ to ! privileges & immunities provid$ 9 ! ,f$]al ,trade ,commission ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #da et seq474 4 7b7 ,te*nical & con=m+ am5dm5t ,! table ( sections = *apt] #bi ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ by section #h1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #bii;,c ! foll[+3 #bii;,d4 ,bad-fai? dem& lett]s4 4 #aj4 ,transp>5cy ( pat5t transf] 7a7 ,pat5t & ,tradem>k ,(fice proce$+s 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #bf ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #bfa ! foll[+3 #bfa;,a4 ,disclosure ( in=mation relat+ to pat5t own]%ip 7a7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,p]iod ( noncompliance ,! t]m p]iod ( noncompliance ref]s to a p]iod ( "t dur+ :i* ! assignee or ! ultimate p>5t entity ( an assignee ( a pat5t has n be5 disclos$ to ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,pat5t & ,tradem>k ,(fice 9 accordance ) ?is section4 7#b7 ,ultimate pat5t entity 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,except z provid$ 9 subp>agraph 7,b71 ! t]m ultimate p>5t entity has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #hja4a7;a77#c7 ( title #af1 ,code ( ,f$]al ,regulations1 or any successor regulation4 7,b7 ,modification ( def9ition ,! ,director may by regulation modify ! def9ition ( ! t]m ultimate p>5t entity4 7b7 ,requirem5t ,to disclose assignm5t ,an assignm5t ( all sub/antial rights 9 an issu$ pat5t %all be record$ 9 ! ,pat5t & ,tradem>k ,(fice-- 7#a7 n lat] ?an ! date on :i* ! pat5t is issu$2 & 7#b7 :5 any subsequ5t assignm5t is made t results 9 a *ange to ! ultimate p>5t entity-- 7,a7 n lat] ?an #c mon?s aft] ! date on :i* su* assignm5t is made2 or 7,b7 9 ! case ( an assignm5t made z "p ( a corporate acquisition t meets ! report+ ?re%olds "u section #g;,a7a77#b7 ( ! ,clayton ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #ah;a7a77#b771 n lat] ?an #f mon?s aft] ! clos+ date ( su* acquisition4 7c7 ,disclosure requirem5ts ,a disclosure "u subsection 7b7 %all include ! "n ( ! assignee & ! ultimate p>5t entity ( ! assignee4 7d7 ,failure ,to comply ,9 a civil action 9 :i* a p>ty ass]ts a claim = infr+em5t ( a pat5t1 if !re 0 a failure to comply ) subsection 7b7 = ! pat5t-- 7#a7 ! p>ty ass]t+ infr+em5t ( ! pat5t may n recov] increas$ damages "u section #bhd or attorney fees "u section #bhe ) respect to infr++ activities tak+ place dur+ any p]iod ( noncompliance1 unless ! d5ial ( su* damages or fees w\ld be manife/ly unju/2 & 7#b7 ! c\rt %all aw>d to a prevail+ accus$ infr+] reasonable attorney fees & exp5ses incurr$ 9 discov]+ ! id5tity ( any undisclos$ entity requir$ to be disclos$ "u subsection 7b71 unless su* sanctions w\ld be manife/ly unju/4 4 7#b7 ,applicability ,! am5dm5t made by p>agraph 7#a7 %all apply to any pat5t = :i* a notice ( all[ance is issu$ on or aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 7#c7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,! table ( sections = *apt] #bf ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new item3 #bfa;,a4 ,disclosure ( in=mation relat+ to pat5t own]%ip4 4 7b7 ,regulations ,! ,director may promulgate su* regulations z are necess>y to e/abli% a regi/ration fee 9 an am\nt suffici5t to recov] ! e/imat$ co/s ( adm9i/]+ section #bfa;,a ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a71 to facilitate ! collection & ma9t5ance ( ! in=mation requir$ by ! am5dm5ts made by ?is section & section #c7;b7 ( ?is ,act1 & to ensure ! timely disclosure ( su* in=mation to ! public4 #aa4 ,protection ( intellectual prop]ty lic5ses 9 bankruptcy 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #aebb ( title #aa1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7e7 ,section #cfe7n7 %all apply to cases "u ?is *apt]4 ,if ! =eign repres5tative rejects or repudiates a contract "u :i* ! debtor is a lic5sor ( intellectual prop]ty1 ! lic5see "u su* contract %all be entitl$ to make ! election & ex]cise ! rights describ$ 9 section #cfe7n74 4 7b7 ,tradem>ks 7#a7 ,am5dm5t ,section #aja7ce;,a7 ( title #aa1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7,a7 9 subp>agraph 7,e71 by /rik+ or2 7,b7 9 subp>agraph 7,f71 by add+ or at ! end2 & 7,c7 by add+ aft] subp>agraph 7,f7 ! foll[+ new subp>agraph3 7,g7 a tradem>k1 s]vice m>k1 or trade "n1 z ^? t]ms are def9$ 9 section #de ( ! ,act ( ,july #e1 #aidf 7commonly ref]r$ to z ! ,tradem>k ,act ( #aidf 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #aabg772 4 7#b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,section #cfe7n77#b7 ( title #aa1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7,a7 9 subp>agraph 7,b7-- 7i7 by /rik+ royalty paym5ts & ins]t+ royalty or o!r paym5ts2 & 7ii7 by /rik+ & aft] ! semicolon2 7,b7 9 subp>agraph 7,c71 by /rik+ ! p]iod at ! end ( clause 7ii7 & ins]t+ 2 &2 & 7,c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subp>agraph3 7,d7 9 ! case ( a tradem>k1 s]vice m>k1 or trade "n1 ! lic5see %all n be reliev$ ( any ( its obligations to ma9ta9 ! quality ( ! products & s]vices (f]$ "u or 9 connection ) ! lic5s$ tradem>k1 s]vice m>k or trade "n1 & ! tru/ee %all reta9 ! "r to ov]see & en=ce quality control = said products &_/or s]vices4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5ts made by ?is section %all take effect on ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act & %all apply to any case t is p5d+ on1 or = :i* a petition or compla9t is fil$ on or aft]1 su* date ( enactm5t4 #ab4 ,small bus9ess education1 outrea*1 & in=mation access 7a7 ,small bus9ess education & outrea* 7#a7 ,res\rces = small bus9ess ,us+ exi/+ res\rces1 ! ,director %all develop educational res\rces = small bus9esses to address conc]ns aris+ f pat5t infr+em5t4 7#b7 ,small bus9ess pat5t ombudsman ,! exi/+ small bus9ess pat5t outrea* programs ( ! ,(fice1 9 consultation ) ! relevant (fices at ! ,small ,bus9ess ,adm9i/ration & ! ,m9ority ,bus9ess ,developm5t ,ag5cy1 %all provide education & aw>5ess reg>d+ res\rces available = ^? p]sons respond+ to allegations ( pat5t infr+em5t4 7b7 ,improv+ ,in=mation ,transp>5cy = ,small ,bus9ess & ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,pat5t & ,tradem>k ,(fice us]s 7#a7 ,web site ,us+ exi/+ res\rces1 ! ,director %all create a us]-fri5dly section on ! (ficial ,web site ( ! ,(fice to notify ! public :5 a pat5t case is br\ght 9 ,f$]al c\rt &1 ) respect to ea* pat5t at issue 9 su* case1 ! ,director %all include-- 7,a7 in=mation disclos$ "u section #bfa;,a ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by section #aj1 & section #bha;,b7b7 ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by section #c2 & 7,b7 any o!r in=mation ! ,director det]m9es to be relevant4 7#b7 ,=mat ,9 ord] to promote accessibility = ! public1 ! in=mation describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 %all be se>*able by pat5t numb]1 pat5t art area1 & entity4 #ac4 ,/udies on pat5t transactions1 quality1 & exam9ation 7a7 ,/udy on ,second>y ,m>ket ,ov]sight = ,pat5t ,transactions ,to ,promote ,transp>5cy & ,e?ical ,bus9ess ,practices 7#a7 ,/udy requir$ ,! ,director1 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,comm]ce1 ! ,secret>y ( ! ,treasury1 ! ,*airman ( ! ,securities & ,ex*ange ,commission1 ! heads ( o!r relevant ag5cies1 & int]e/$ p>ties1 %all1 us+ exi/+ res\rces ( ! ,(fice1 conduct a /udy-- 7,a7 to develop legislative recomm5dations to ensure great] transp>5cy & acc\ntability 9 pat5t transactions occurr+ on ! second>y m>ket2 7,b7 to exam9e ! economic impact t ! pat5t second>y m>ket has on ! ,unit$ ,/ates2 7,c7 to exam9e lic5s+ & o!r ov]sight requirem5ts t may be plac$ on ! pat5t second>y m>ket1 includ+ on ! p>ticipants 9 su* m>kets1 to ensure t ! m>ket is a level play+ field & t brok]s 9 ! m>ket h ! requisite exp]tise & adh]e to e?ical bus9ess practices2 & 7,d7 to exam9e ! requirem5ts plac$ on o!r m>kets4 7#b7 ,report on /udy ,n lat] ?an #ah mon?s aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,director %all submit a report to ! ,committee on ! ,judici>y ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & ! ,committee on ! ,judici>y ( ! ,s5ate on ! f9d+s & recomm5dations ( ! ,director f ! /udy requir$ "u p>agraph 7#a74 7b7 ,/udy on ,pat5t ,small ,claims proc$ures 7#a7 ,/udy ,requir$ 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,director ( ! ,adm9i/rative ,(fice ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rts1 9 consultation ) ! ,director ( ! ,f$]al ,judicial ,c5t] & ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,pat5t & ,tradem>k ,(fice1 %all1 us+ exi/+ res\rces1 conduct a /udy to exam9e ! idea ( develop+ a pilot program = pat5t small claims proc$ures 9 c]ta9 judicial di/ricts )9 ! exi/+ pat5t pilot program m&at$ by ,public ,law #aaa-cdi4 7,b7 ,cont5ts ( /udy ,! /udy "u subp>agraph 7,a7 %all exam9e-- 7i7 ! necess>y crit]ia = us+ small claims proc$ures2 7ii7 ! co/s t w\ld be incurr$ = e/abli%+1 ma9ta9+1 & op]at+ su* a pilot program2 & 7iii7 ! /eps t w\ld be tak5 to ensure t ! proc$ures us$ 9 ! pilot program are n misus$ = abusive pat5t litigation4 7#b7 ,report on /udy ,n lat] ?an #a ye> aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,director ( ! ,adm9i/rative ,(fice ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rts %all submit a report to ! ,committee on ! ,judici>y ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & ! ,committee on ! ,judici>y ( ! ,s5ate on ! f9d+s & recomm5dations ( ! ,director ( ! ,adm9i/rative ,(fice f ! /udy requir$ "u p>agraph 7#a74 7c7 ,/udy on bus9ess me?od pat5t quality 7#a7 ,,gao /udy ,! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all1 us+ exi/+ res\rces1 conduct a /udy on ! volume & nature ( litigation involv+ bus9ess me?od pat5ts4 7#b7 ,cont5ts ( /udy ,! /udy requir$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all focus on exam9+ ! quality ( bus9ess me?od pat5ts ass]t$ 9 suits alleg+ pat5t infr+em5t1 & may include an exam9ation ( any o!r areas t ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al det]m9es to be relevant4 7#c7 ,report to congress ,n lat] ?an #a ye> aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al %all submit to ! ,committee on ! ,judici>y ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & ! ,committee on ! ,judici>y ( ! ,s5ate a report on ! f9d+s & recomm5dations f ! /udy requir$ by ?is subsection1 includ+ recomm5dations = any *anges to laws or regulations t ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al consid]s appropriate on ! basis ( ! /udy4 #ad4 ,te*nical corrections to ! ,leahy-,smi? ,am]ica ,inv5ts ,act & o!r improvem5ts 7a7 ,section #cbe7;e77#b7 ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ or reasonably c\ld h rais$4 7b7 ,,pto pat5t reviews 7#a7 ,cl>ification 7,a7 ,scope ( prior art ,section #ah7;a77#a77;,c77i7 ( ! ,leahy-,smi? ,am]ica ,inv5ts ,act 7#ce ,u4,s4,c4 #cba note7 is am5d$ by /rik+ section #ajb7;a7 & ins]t+ subsection 7a7 or 7e7 ( section #ajb4 7,b7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5t made by subp>agraph 7,a7 %all take effect on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act & %all apply to any proce$+ p5d+ on1 or fil$ on or aft]1 su* date ( enactm5t4 7#b7 ,au?ority to waive fee ,subject to available res\rces1 ! ,director may waive paym5t ( a fil+ fee = a transitional proce$+ describ$ "u section #ah7;a7 ( ! ,leahy-,smi? ,am]ica ,inv5ts ,act 7#ce ,u4,s4,c4 #cba note74 7c7 ,te*nical corrections 7#a7 ,novelty 7,a7 ,am5dm5t ,section #ajb7;b77#a77;,a7 ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ ! inv5tor or jo9t inv5tor or by ano!r & ins]t+ ! inv5tor or a jo9t inv5tor or ano!r4 7,b7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5t made by subp>agraph 7,a7 %all be effective z if includ$ 9 ! am5dm5t made by section #c7;b77#a7 ( ! ,leahy-,smi? ,am]ica ,inv5ts ,act 7,public ,law #aab-bi74 7#b7 ,inv5tor's oa? or decl>ation 7,a7 ,requirem5t to execute ,section #aae7;a7 ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ 9 ! second s5t5ce by /rik+ %all execute & ins]t+ may be requir$ by ! ,director to execute4 7,b7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5t made by subp>agraph 7,a7 %all be effective z if includ$ 9 ! am5dm5t made by section #d7;a77#a7 ( ! ,leahy-,smi? ,am]ica ,inv5ts ,act 7,public ,law #aab-bi74 7#c7 ,assignee fil]s 7,a7 ,b5efit ( e>li] fil+ date2 "r ( priority ,section #aai7;e77#a7 ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$1 9 ! fir/ s5t5ce1 by /rik+ by an inv5tor or inv5tors nam$ & ins]t+ t names ! inv5tor or a jo9t inv5tor4 7,b7 ,b5efit ( e>li] fil+ date 9 ! unit$ /ates ,section #abj ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$1 9 ! fir/ s5t5ce1 by /rik+ names an inv5tor or jo9t inv5tor & ins]t+ names ! inv5tor or a jo9t inv5tor4 7,c7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5ts made by ?is p>agraph %all take effect on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act & %all apply to any pat5t application1 & any pat5t issu+ f su* application1 t is fil$ on or aft] ,septemb] #af1 #bjab4 7#d7 ,d]iv$ pat5ts 7,a7 ,am5dm5t ,section #bia7;b7 ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ or jo9t inv5tor & ins]t+ or a jo9t inv5tor4 7,b7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5t made by subp>agraph 7,a7 %all be effective z if includ$ 9 ! am5dm5t made by section #c7;h77#a7 ( ! ,leahy-,smi? ,am]ica ,inv5ts ,act 7,public ,law #aab-bi74 7#e7 ,specification ,not)/&+ section #d7;e7 ( ! ,leahy-,smi? ,am]ica ,inv5ts ,act 7,public ,law #aab-bi2 #abe ,/at4 #big71 ! am5dm5ts made by subsections 7c7 & 7d7 ( section #d ( su* ,act %all apply to any proce$+ or matt] t is p5d+ on1 or fil$ on or aft]1 ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 7#f7 ,"t limit = comm5c+ misconduct proce$+s 7,a7 ,am5dm5t ,! f\r? s5t5ce ( section #cb ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ #a ye> & ins]t+ #ah mon?s4 7,b7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5t made by ?is p>agraph %all take effect on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act & %all apply to any action 9 :i* ! ,(fice files a compla9t on or aft] su* date ( enactm5t4 7#g7 ,pat5t own] response 7,a7 ,conduct ( int] p>tes review ,p>agraph 7#h7 ( section #caf7;a7 ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ ! petition "u section #cac & ins]t+ ! petition "u section #caa4 7,b7 ,conduct ( po/-grant review ,p>agraph 7#h7 ( section #cbf7;a7 ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ ! petition "u section #cbc & ins]t+ ! petition "u section #cba4 7,c7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5ts made by ?is p>agraph %all take effect on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 7d7 ,managem5t ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,pat5t & ,tradem>k ,(fice 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #c7;b77#a7 ( title #ce1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ 9 ! fir/ s5t5ce-- 7,a7 by /rik+ be ve/$ ) ! au?ority to act 9 ! capacity ( ! & ins]t+ s]ve z ,act+12 & 7,b7 by ins]t+ be=e ! p]iod or 9 ! ev5t ( a vacancy 9 ! (fice ( ! ,director44 7#b7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5ts made by p>agraph 7#a7 %all take effect on ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act & %all apply ) respect to appo9tm5ts & vacancies occurr+ be=e1 on1 or aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #ae4 ,effective date ,except z o!rwise provid$ 9 ?is ,act1 ! provisions ( ?is ,act %all take effect on ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 & %all apply to any pat5t issu$1 or any action fil$1 on or aft] t date4 #af4 ,sev]ability ,if any provision ( ?is ,act1 or an am5dm5t made by ?is ,act1 or ! application ( su* provision or am5dm5t to any p]son or circum/ance1 is held to be invalid1 ! rema9d] ( ?is ,act1 or an am5dm5t made by ?is ,act1 or ! application ( su* provision to o!r p]sons or circum/ances1 %all n be affect$4