Patently-O Bits and Bytes No. 3

• Patent Prosecution Highway Pilot Program extends to include Canada, Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong. Under the program, allowed US claims can receive “accelerated examination” in the other patent offices. Likewise, cases seeking claims first allowed in the other countries will be “made special” in the US. (MPEP 708.02(a) procedures for a petition to make special do not apply here). [LINK]. [via “C’est é-p@tent!”]
• Outside the Box v. Travel Caddy: In an non-precedential opinion, CAFC judges disagreed on the meaning of the claim term “between.” The majority (Archer & Bryson) held that the term “between” limited the location of a panel only to an area within two end points.  In dissent, Judge Dyk argued that the open claim transition “comprising” should be interpreted to allow infringement even if the panel extends beyind the end points. [LINK]
• Quanta: Today, the Supreme Court is hearing Oral Arguments in the Quanta case. Three Supreme Court / IP veterans are handling the oral arguments: Maureen Mahoney (Quanta); Thomas Hungar (DOJ); Carter Phillips (LGE, patentee).
• ACPC Conference: In-house patent counsel may enjoy the upcoming ACPC meeting in Santa Barbara, Jan 27–30. [Link]