January 9, 2007

On January 9, when the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a ground-breaking decision that makes it easier for licensees to challenge patents, the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin called Fitch Even partner Joe Shipley asking for comment. Mr. Shipley explained that the decision, MedImmune, Inc. v. Genentech, Inc., means that a licensee can now sue the patent holder for a declaratory judgment that the patent is invalid and not infringed while still paying royalties and remaining in "good standing" under the license.

Mr. Shipley is in his 25th year with Fitch Even, where his practice includes licensing, prosecution, counseling and litigation. His recent speaking engagements include lectures on licensing at DePaul University College of Law and Practicing Law Institute (PLI) programs. He is currently vice-president of the Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago.

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