New York Times (March 30)
“In recent years, the government has too often given patent protection to inventions that do not represent real scientific advances.” With patent applications more than tripling during the past 20 years, many of the patents granted “appear to be overly broad and vague.” In an upcoming case, the Supreme Court will have a chance to narrow the scope of what’s patentable. “The Supreme Court should make clear that nobody should be allowed to claim a monopoly over an abstract idea.”
Tags: Abstract idea, Applications, Government, Inventions, Monopoly, Overly broad, Patent, Protection, Scientific advances, Supreme Court, U.S., Vague
New York Times (October 3)
The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing a case with implications for overseas companies. “The issue is whether American courts can hear cases brought by noncitizens against multinational corporations that do business in the United States for committing extreme human rights abuses abroad — and, if so, under what rules.” The Times believes that in general these cases should be allowed.The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing a case with implications for overseas companies. “The issue is whether American courts can hear cases brought by noncitizens against multinational corporations that do business in the United States for committing extreme human rights abuses abroad — and, if so, under what rules.” The Times believes that in general these cases should be allowed.
San Francisco Chronicle (June 30)
Japan’s Supreme Court “ruled in favor of a whistleblower for the first time.” The case involved Masaharu Hamada, 51, who was demoted after raising issues at Olympus Corporation. The Supreme Court “sealed the victory of the little ‘salaryman’ against a giant of Japan Inc.” The Chronicle reports Japan only has “a handful” of whistleblowers because “they are treated as outcasts…. So abhorred is the employee who dares to question the company.”
Tags: Japan, Olympus, Salaryman, Supreme Court, Whistleblower
Time (March 26)
“The Supreme Court should uphold the Health Care Law 9-0.” In contrast to many developed countries, the U.S. does not yet offer universal health care. But under President Obama…it has plans. The Supreme Court is currently examining the constitutionality of the planned healthcare law, which would require every citizen to have a provider.
Tags: Health care, Obama, Supreme Court, U.S.
Chicago Tribune (June 28)
The Supreme Court effectively struck down Chicago’s ban on handguns. Last weekend, 26 people were shot and 3 killed. The weekend before the totals were double: 50 shot and 8 killed. “Chicago has to win the daily struggle on its streets.” Without the handgun ban, the city will need to look for new options.
Tags: Chicago, Handguns, Supreme Court
