On May 6, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT, the Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago (IPLAC) is hosting a panel discussion focusing on topics related to Section 101.  A selection of topics will be discussed.  The panel is being moderated by A. Christal Sheppard Professor, University of Nebraska College of Law, Distinguished Fellow, NGCT – Nebraska Governance & Technology Center.  Panel members include: Andrei Iancu, Partner, Irell & Manella, Former Under Secretary…

Chief Judge Pallmeyer issued her tenth amended COVID General Order last week. As with the last several amended orders, there are no additional blanket case extensions. The General Order basically extends existing restrictions, including ordering that no jury trials — both civil and criminal — may begin until, at least, April 5, 2021. Specifically, the General Order also requires: No Local Rule 5.2(f) Courtesy Copies — Absent case-specific requests, Local Rule 5.2(f) requiring paper courtesy copies…

In a February 17, 2021 Order, Chief Judge Pallmeyer set out a COVID testing protocol to allow for safe in-person proceedings, in particular jury trials. The order requires the following: Court employees working in the court facilities will be tested for COVID no more than twice per week using saliva tests. The results will be provided only to the tested employee, who will be obligated to self report any positive test; Jurors and potential jurors…

In response to recent questions about a potential breach of the CM/ECF system, the Northern District issued a General Order setting out a definition of Highly Sensitive Documents (HSD). The General Order states that “[m]ost sealed filings in civil cases do not constitute HSDs” and specifically excludes “[c]ommercial [and] proprietary information” from HSD classification. Documents will not be classified as HSD solely because they include personal identifying or financial information.  In addition to various criminal…

On December 3, 2020, from 3:00 – 5:30 pm CT the IP Law Symposium Committee, including Co-Chairs Jim Muraff of McDonald Hopkins LLC and Matt Marrone of McAndrews, Held & Malloy, Ltd., and Vice Chair Viren Soni of the CME Group, are hosting a series of fireside chats and panels where you will hear directly from Judges across the country about current patent and trademark litigation topics, trends, and insights.  The chats will be with:…

The Northern District has revised its civil cover sheet.  The cover sheet is a fillable form and now includes the new Nature of Suit code for Defend Trade Secrets Act claims – 880.…

Chief Judge Pallmeyer issued her seventh amended COVID General Order earlier today, October 29, 2020. As with the last order, there are no additional blanket case extensions. The General Order basically extends provisions limiting courthouse access to what is necessary. But it also suspends jury trials — both civil and criminal — from November 9, 2020 through January 26, 2021. Bench trials are allowed, but no jury trials will be held in the Northern District…