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

UK govt backs DeepMind spinout’s $2.1bn plan to ‘solve all disease’ with AI

14 May 2026 Isomorphic Labs said the funding round, led by venture firm Thrive Capital, would be used to further its drug design engine and support hiring targets.

Americas

BMS signs $15.2bn deal with China’s top pharma company

14 May 2026 The agreement is the latest in a string of major deals between Hengrui and multinational drugmakers, and will see the parties jointly develop assets while licensing others.

Americas

Medtech company sues over seven patents for incontinence products

13 May 2026 PureWick claims that two rivals infringed its external catheter and urine-management technology in their medical devices.