Patently-O Bits and Bytes No. 24

• Using Prosecution Histories: I’m going to do a survey next week on how prosecution history is used in practice, but I would like some reader input to help me create the survey. What are some examples of times when you look at the prosecution history of an application?  This survey will span prosecution, litigation, licensing, FTO, patent families and related applications, and will also touch on the cost associated with reviewing a prosecution history. [Comment or e-mail]
• Call for Papers: Seton Hall Law Review asked that I post a call for papers for their October symposium titled: Preparing for a Pharmaceutical Response to Pandemic Influenza.  If you would like to participate, submit a 200 word abstract by tax day: April 15. [LINK]
• A Sad Comment on Comments: Reader comments are very useful in providing additional analysis; anecdotes; pointing out my own biases and typos; etc. However, I want to keep this blog on the topic of patent law — not random constitutional and gun control theory; not clothing choices of other readers; no defamation; and not personal attacks against other posters.
• Appointing CAFC Judges: For at least the second time in the past two months, a Federal Circuit judge has publicly discussed the fact that eight of the current twelve CAFC judges will be up for “senior status” within the next two years. The Honorable Kimberly Moore discussed this issue at a recent IPO conference in DC. The next President can expect to shape the face of Patent Law through these appointments.