Significant changes on the anniversary of AIA

In 2011, when the America Invents Act (AIA) was given the shape of law on September 16 last year, some significant changes were introduced to U.S. patent law, including changes to patent litigation rules and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) procedures. While some changes - particularly those related to patent litigation (such as limitations on joinder of defendants, the elimination of the best mode invalidity defense, an expansion of the prior use defense, and provisions regarding proof of willful and induced infringement) - went into effect immediately, some additional aspects of the Act, including significant changes to procedures within the USPTO, were implemented on September 16, 2012.

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