Supreme Court Asked to Address Constitutionality of Judge Newman Removal
Patent – Patently-O 2024-11-04
Summary:
by Dennis Crouch
Miller Mendel, Inc. has petitioned the Supreme Court to review a Federal Circuit decision invalidating its background check software patent in a case that raises questions about both judicial independence and patent eligibility standards. The petition comes after both the district court and Federal Circuit found Miller Mendel's US Patent No. 10,043,188 ineligible under § 101 as directed to an abstract idea.
- Petition: PetitionforWrit
- Prior Post on the Case: Dennis Crouch, Alice Backs Anna: Federal Circuit Finds Miller Mendel’s Background Check Patent Abstract, Patently-O (July 18, 2024)
The Patent and Technology at Issue: The '188 patent covers a software system for managing pre-employment background investigations. The claimed system automates many aspects of the background check process, including collecting and storing applicant information, managing communications with references via email hyperlinks, and automatically generating suggested lists of law enforcement agencies based on an applicant's residential address. Miller Mendel accused the City of Anna police department (northern Texas) of infringement through its use of Guardian Alliance Technologies' background check platform. The City successfully moved for judgment on the pleadings arguing patent ineligibility under § 101.