PRESS RELEASE

November 7, 2005
Cook Alex partner joined the judges from the Federal Circuit

CHICAGO, IL – November 7, 2005  Cook Alex partner Edward D. Manzo joined a panel discussion on November 7th, which included two judges from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.  The panel addressed the ongoing debate in patent law over written descriptions of inventions.

"Today, one studies the claims of a patent to determine its scope. However, it wasn't always that way.  The first U.S. patent statute in 1793 called for a written description of the invention," said Manzo.  "Only later did Congress adopt patent statutes requiring claims to distinguish the invention over prior art.  The 1793 language about the written description, however, was not removed and is still reflected in patent law that addresses providing an enabling disclosure of the invention.  This has caused significant problems where the courts and the USPTO have sometimes used this written descrption requirement to invalidate patent claims. This provided the backdrop to our panel discussion, which was lively and informative."

From left to right: Judge Richard Linn, Chief Judge Paul Michel, Bradford P. Lyerla, Edward D. Manzo, Meredith Martin Addy, Timothy R. Holbrook, Lisa A. Schneider, Judge Matthew F. Kennelly, Chief Judge James F. Holderman

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About Cook Alex
Cook Alex is one of the nation’s preeminent intellectual property law firms exclusively dedicated to providing a full-range of intellectual property and technology-related legal services to a diverse range of clients.  Cook Alex has an established history of successfully representing domestic and international clients in virtually every industry and technology.  Cook Alex provides the following services:  conducting patentability, enforceability and infringement studies and preparing related opinions; preparing, prosecuting and enforcing U.S. and international patents, trademarks and copyrights; conducting patent interference proceedings and trademark oppositions and cancellations; negotiating and preparing intellectual property licenses, cross-licenses and technology transfer agreements; and providing intellectual property portfolio management services including asset management and standards integration services.  Additional information on the firm can be found at www.CookAlex.com.

Attorney(s)
Edward D. Manzo

Contact
Ed Roney
(312) 334-8545