Supreme Court Continues Focus On IP

Here we go again: The United States Supreme Court today decided to review two more intellectual property cases. That makes three IP cases so far for next Term (which begins this October), already equaling the number of IP cases heard this Term.

In SCA Hygiene Products Aktiebolag v. First Quality Baby Products, LLC, No. 15-927, the Supreme Court will decide whether the defense of laches may bar a patent infringement claim brought within the Patent Act's six-year statutory limitations periods. In the other case, Star Athletica, L.L.C. v. Varsity Brands, Inc., No. 15-866, the Supreme Court will address when a feature of a useful article is protectable under § 101 of the Copyright Act.