Patent Litigation Sees ‘Exponential’ Changes Amid Coronavirus

Postponed trials, remote depositions and travel diversions — this is patent litigation in the age of the new coronavirus.

Access to federal courts and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has been limited as part of government efforts to fight the spread of the virus. Judges have put jury trials on hold, canceled in-person hearings and, in some cases, encouraged that depositions be done remotely.

Patent attorneys are adjusting to ever-tightening restrictions on travel by reshuffling hearing calendars, preparing for remote work, and rethinking communication and deposition strategies.

“With the exponential growth of the virus, we’re seeing an exponential change ...