Old Dog, New Tricks: Government Defends 200-Year-Old ODP Doctrine Even Under Modern Statutes
Briefly

The Federal Circuit's decision in Cellect v. Vidal raises concerns about the intersection of Patent Term Adjustment and the doctrine of obviousness-type double patenting, potentially leading to invalidation of later-expiring patents.
The U.S. Government's brief argues that the obviousness-type double patenting (ODP) doctrine is an established element of patent law, akin to patent eligibility, underscoring its historic significance.
By emphasizing that PTA adjustments do not extend a patent beyond its terminal disclaimer expiration date, the government highlights the intent of Congress to maintain ODP as a significant policy.
Cellect's case questions whether good faith patents can be invalidated due to statutory adjustments and raises the stakes on how courts interpret ODP in relation to PTA.
Read at Patently-O
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