Assignor Estoppel After Minerva v. Hologic Patent Ruling

Insights: Events Assignor Estoppel After Minerva v. Hologic Patent Ruling

Kilpatrick Patent Presentation

This session will focus on the doctrine of assignor estoppel, which prevents inventors who assign their patents from challenging the validity of those patents, including those in privity with the assignor-inventor. In Minerva v. Hologic, Supreme Court narrowed the doctrine of assignor estoppel. The Supreme Court's paring of down assignor estoppel is significant. For example, the exception for assignments required under an employment agreement could preclude estoppel.