Number: RL31703
Title: Patent Law and Innovation: The Creation, Operation and a Twenty-Year Assessment of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
Authors: John R. Thomas, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: This report considers the impact of the Federal Circuit upon U.S. patent law and innovations. It begins with an overview of the policy foundations and legal fundamentals of the patent system. It then reviews the role of the Federal Circuit within the federal judicial system. This is followed by a recounting of the history of the formation of the Federal Circuit. The impact of the Federal Circuit upon innovation is discussed, including perceived benefits of the court as well as perceived shortcomings. The report closes with a review of two recent developments affecting the Federal Circuit, the White Commission Report and the Supreme Court decision in Holmes Group, Inc. v. Vornado Air Circulation Systems, Ind., along with concluding observations.
Pages: 22
Date: Updated January 21, 2003