Breaking: SCOTUS says inventors can challenge their patents, but imposes limits

The US Supreme Court has upheld the doctrine of assignor estoppel in a dispute between Minerva and Hologic but has narrowed its scope. SCOTUS handed down the decision today, June 29, in a fractured 5-4 opinion that effectively bars an inventor from challenging their own patents, and imposing new limits when the principle of assignor estoppel can be invoked.

Already registered?

For multi-user price options, or to check if your company has an existing subscription that we can add you to for FREE, please email Adrian Tapping at atapping@newtonmedia.co.uk

More on this story

Americas

Court narrows Mylan’s Copaxone suit but key claims survive

14 April 2026 A US district court has allowed key elements of the generic drugmaker’s case against a rival to move forward, while drawing clear limits on how far the complaint can reach.

Americas

Oracle retaliates with lawsuit to laid-off staff member’s ‘demands’

13 April 2026 The US tech company targets a disgruntled ex-employee for threatening to sell its trade secrets if he does not receive an “unreasonable fee”.

Americas

LSPN Awards USA: Meet the judges

10 April 2026 The 2026 panel has been chosen. With judges from Amgen, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Takeda, Regeneron and law firms such as White & Case and Arnold & Porter, here’s who will be deciding this year’s winners.