Patent Court Clash Pits Chief Judge Against 95-Year-Old Veteran

An unusual bid by the top judge on the nation’s patent appeals court to unseat its longest-serving member involves two long-time jurists who have put distinct stamps on US patent law.

Kimberly Moore, the chief judge on the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, has launched a proceeding against 95-year-old Pauline Newman, questioning her physical and mental ability to remain an active judge. Moore’s unsealed allegations suggest Newman is resisting the effort to sideline her.

The internal battle that has spilled into public view is being waged by two judges who, court watchers say, have taken ...