federal judiciary

The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has affirmed a lower court's dismissal of internet advertising patents held invalid under Section 101 of the Patent Act, in a case involving Google. The ruling reinforces the judiciary's strict approach to abstract, computer-implemented ideas and is drawing attention from patent practitioners and technology companies watching how advertising-related patents fare.

A 67-year-old Texas man has been sentenced for mailing threatening letters to federal judges, the San Antonio Express-News reports. Details of the sentence length, which judges were targeted, and the man's motive have not been made available. The case adds to broader concern about threats and intimidation directed at members of the federal judiciary.