News

LexisNexis recently released its “Top 100 Global Innovators” for 2025, the prestigious roster of companies around the world that are driving innovation in the global economy, based on exceptional shifts in patent portfolio quality over the last two years. While the report focused on corporate patent owners, a parallel analysis was done of academic and public research innovators to recognize their achievements as well.

Among those institutions, Broad Institute, Fraunhofer, Harvard, MIT, Stanford University, University of California, and Zhejiang University were recognized for demonstrating exceptional Innovation Momentum, while developing relevant and high-quality patent portfolios.

McCoy Russell congratulates all companies that are recognized for their innovative spirit and the advancements they’ve contributed across a variety of industries.

As mentioned in a previous post, a few technical specialists from McCoy Russell recently attended an open mic night hosted by the Technology Association of Oregon (TAO) AI & Data Community. One pitch, in particular, stood out to us, as the presenter offered insights on how to navigate the disruptions to the labor market that generative AI is poised to bring. The speaker emphasized the importance of learning how to use generative AI as a tool to enhance current job performance and leverage that experience for future career opportunities.

At McCoy Russell, we are embracing this approach by integrating AI-powered patent tools developed in-house by IronCrow AI. These tools assist in proofreading patent applications for common errors, refining prosecution strategies using analytics—including 101 rejection and art unit predictions—automating patent-related tasks such as Office action response shell generation, and facilitating document analysis. By leveraging these AI-driven capabilities, we enhance the quality of our applications and responses while maintaining a cutting-edge understanding of AI technologies.

It is no surprise, then, that McCoy Russell has one of the highest allowance rates for applications that have received rejections for allegedly being directed to an abstract idea—a significant portion of which are in the AI field. As AI continues to reshape industries, firms that embrace these technologies will be better positioned to serve clients effectively, ensuring that innovation is both protected and strategically advanced.

McCoy Russell Partner Justin Wagner recently presented an online webinar for the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) concerning the Duty of Disclosure at the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO).

In the U.S., the duty of disclosure requires patent applicants and inventors to disclose any information that may be relevant to the patentability of their invention. A key tool for meeting this requirement is the Information Disclosure Statement (IDS). In this recent webinar, Justin examined IDSes and their role in ensuring compliance with USPTO regulations, and covered the duty of disclosure in depth, exploring real-world examples and best practices.

Those in attendance gained a clearer understanding of their disclosure obligations and learned how to navigate the process effectively—ensuring they meet USPTO expectations while avoiding common pitfalls. McCoy Russell understands the benefit of developing a strong IDS practice. The firm routinely files hundreds of IDS submissions each year and continues to refine its process and training in IDS filings.

In the field of intellectual property, understanding a diverse array of technologies is key to helping clients secure meaningful protection for their innovations. As we are all aware, artificial intelligence is currently at the forefront of technological innovations. Accordingly, a few technical specialists from McCoy Russell attended an open mic night hosted by the Technology Association of Oregon (TAO) AI & Data Community. It was fun to hear what innovators in Oregon and the greater Pacific Northwest are doing to help foster AI development and stay abreast of new developments in AI. However, while listening to some entrepreneurs pitch their AI innovations, we couldn’t help but wonder if they had all thought about how to best protect their ideas. Had they all filed patent applications on their ideas before disclosing them to an audience? Were they aware that even a three-minute pitch to a small audience during a networking event constituted a public disclosure?

Securing intellectual property protection is crucial for any innovation, especially in rapidly evolving fields like artificial intelligence. Without proper safeguards, entrepreneurs risk losing their ability to patent their ideas, potentially leaving their breakthroughs vulnerable to competitors. A well-timed patent application can be the difference between maintaining a competitive edge and losing out on the benefits of one’s own ingenuity.

For those navigating the complexities of intellectual property protection, seeking guidance from experienced IP professionals is invaluable. If you’re unsure whether a disclosure—whether in a pitch, a white paper, or even a casual conversation—could impact your ability to secure a patent, consulting with knowledgeable counsel beforehand can help prevent costly mistakes. At McCoy Russell, we are committed to helping innovators safeguard their technologies so they can continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

In honor of the 2025 International Women’s Day theme, “For ALL Women and Girls — Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” McCoy Russell remains committed to expanding access to opportunities within the intellectual property (IP) system through education and advocacy. The firm actively volunteers at events that provide IP legal resources to women business owners as well as events which foster connections among women in IP law and technology, strengthening collective efforts toward greater community support.

Women’s Day is a great time to celebrate pioneering women in innovation.  Innovation comes from all fields and sometimes is not recognized.  We hope these quick notes encourage you to go explore more about about these amazing women and find your own innovations:

Alice H. Parker revolutionized home heating by patenting a central heating system that utilized natural gas, laying the foundation for modern HVAC technology.

Stephanie Kwolek’s groundbreaking discovery of Kevlar stemmed from her “happy coincidence” in polymer research at DuPont company, leading to the creation of the super fiber now used in countless applications.

Ann Tsukamoto’s advancements in stem cell research in the early 1990s resulted in 13 patents including a method of isolating stem cells, contributing to life-saving medical treatments.

Ruth Graves Wakefield, co-owner of the Toll House Inn, sold her iconic chocolate chip cookie recipe to Nestlé for supposedly $1, securing a consulting role for the company in the 1930s and a lifetime supply of chocolate in the process.

AUTM’s 50^th Annual Meeting is underway bringing together technology transfer professionals from around the world come together to connect, collaborate, and learn from inspiring programming and their colleagues. As day one of AUTM has wrapped, McCoy Russell Partner Justin Wagner enjoyed a great fireside chat with Dr. Mae Jemison who shared her experience as an astronaut as well as connecting with other esteemed technology transfer professionals.

McCoy Russell is proud to be an AUTM sponsor and thanks Justin for volunteering additional time in supporting an organization which educates on trending topics in technology transfer, but does hands on advocacy in Washington to advance a positive agenda for technology transfer.

McCoy Russell is pleased to be a sponsor for AUTM’s Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. which brings together technology transfer professionals from around the world come together to connect, collaborate, and learn from inspiring programming and their colleagues. Partner Justin Wagner will be in attendance and looks forward to connecting with other professionals, strengthening established partnerships, and celebrating 50 years of AUTM making history.

Over the years, AUTM has adeptly worked with a range of allied interests in Washington to advance a positive agenda for tech transfer. Often, this work is done by AUTM staff and board members, however this year AUTM is inviting TTO Directors and other high-ranking TTO representatives to help spread the word on AUTM initiatives and advocate for tech transfer to Senators and Representatives of Congress.

The commercialization of emerging technologies continues to rapidly change, Justin looks forward to discussing a wide range of new best practices to address and embrace these technologies at AUTM’s Annual Meeting.

McCoy Russell has volunteered to host one of INTA’s North America Roundtables this spring. Taking place Wednesday April 9 from 12 PM – 2 PM, this roundtable centers around Green Branding and Sustainability Claims: Navigating Trademarks in an Eco-Conscious World.

Register at INTA’s event site here – https://members.inta.org/events/event-details/?id=bc278dfe-53de-ef11-95f5-6045bd7a9164&index=39&reload=timezone.

In hosting, it was noted that Portland has generally had very low registrants for recent INTA Roundtables.   Let’s keep supporting these roundtables locally.  We welcome participation from all, new practitioners as well as seasoned practitioners.  Please let all know who may be interested in attending.  We look forward to an engaging discussion.

McCoy Russell has received yet another complete appeal reversal in the area of IT security in computer related products. Our team, led to success by John Russell, effectively navigated through the USPTO’s improper rejections. Our arguments showed that the evidence presented by the examiners failed to support the rejections and the PTAB reversed all grounds in Appeal 2024-002527.

This case is another example of McCoy Russell’s effectiveness with its strategic approach to patent prosecution.