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The recent changes in the Western District of Texas, where incoming patent
law cases will now be redistributed among 12 judges at random, has kicked
off a bout of uncertainty and conversation regarding the future of patent
law in Waco.
Naman Howell Attorney Andy Powell gave his thoughts to
Law360, "while it is too early to say how this order will impact the overall
legal market in Waco, to the extent that there are law firms that have
opened up specialty boutique offices in Waco focused primarily on patent
litigation work, this may have a negative impact."
As far as the effect this may have on Naman Howell in particular, Powell
believes the changes in the local patent landscape are unlikely to have
much effect on Naman Howell’s longstanding patent and intellectual
property legal practice.
"For law firms that have been in Waco for many years with a broad
client base and that have a varied legal practice, this order should not
significantly impact their overall operations”, he shared to
Law360. Naman Howell has been serving Texans and their businesses for more than
a century, with its first office opening in Waco in 1917.
Furthermore, Powell called the new ruling, an “unexpected and unfortunate”
turn of events considering Judge Alan Albright, who was previously the
only judge handling all patent law matters in the Western District, has
a “wealth of knowledge in patent law”.
“While we are blessed with many excellent judges throughout the Western
District of Texas, patent cases frequently involve complex technical and
procedural issues and Judge Albright is a judge that understands those
issues very well and he is passionate about patent law,” Powell told
KWTX.
Andy Powell is a registered patent attorney, who has handled everything
from patent applications to patent litigation. He has been involved with
the Western District of Texas since his admittance in 2003. Andy is knowledgeable
in various other matters involving intellectual property law including,
trademark prosecution, copyright issues and licensing issues.
To read the full article on Law360 click
here.
To read the full article on KWTX click
here.