BizTech Law Blog

Groupon, Inc. is in the midst of a class-action lawsuit, the result of which could alter the foundation of mobile couponing.  For the uninitiated, Groupon is a group buying website that offers large discounts on local goods and services. Groupon sends subscribers daily emails with promotional offers.  If a specified number of people sign up for the offer, the deal becomes available to all.  For example, a Groupon offer might permit a subscriber to purchase an $80 massage for $40.  The "Groupons" are valid for a certain period of time. According to Groupon's "terms of service," after a "Groupon" reaches its expiration date, it loses its promotional value; however, it can still be redeemed for the price paid.

As noted in my previous post (Part 1: U.S. Patent Reform: First-to-File), the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act has been signed into law.  The America Invents Act has been sold as "the biggest change in the U.S. Patents System since the 1950s."  The hype, however, is far from reality – as the Act does not affect many of the fundamental tenants of U.S. Patent law. 

This is the second of multiple blog posts that will summarize the most significant changes created by the America Invents Act.  My previous blog post addressed the adoption of a "First-to-File" system.  Today, I will discuss "Post Grant Review Proceedings."

On September 16th, President Barack Obama signed the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act into law.  The America Invents Act has been sold as "the biggest change in the U.S. Patents System since the 1950s."  However, the Act does not affect many of the fundamental tenants of U.S. Patent law and in fact is significantly modified from the bill that originally was proposed. 

This is the first of several blog posts that will summarize the most significant changes created by the America Invents Act.