I came across more than a few interesting, patent-related items this week.  Here’s a few you might enjoy:

1. Dennis Crouch on BPAI Appeal Statistics: The Plummeting Reversal Rate

Dennis continues his empirical dissection of the Patent and Trademark Office.  In this post, he explains that the Board’s reversal rate (the percentage of cases where the Examiner rejections are completely reversed) has been cut in half (from 40% to 20%) over the last four years. He also demonstrates the significant growth in the number of appeals filed  – and the number pending – that has occured over the last several years.

2. Big Pharma’s looming patent cliff

As if its struggles in the ongoing patent reform battle weren’t enough, Big Pharma apparently stands to lose patent protection on drugs with annual sales of $140 Billion by 2016. In the wake of Dystar and KSR, silly tricks like creating grape flavored chewy tablets aren’t likely to solve the problem, either. That, of course, would simply be adding fins.

Big Pharma apparently sees the writing on the wall, recognizing that true innovation is the solution: “While reformulation strategies may be effective at staving off generic competition in the short term, ultimately manufacturers need to develop truly novel drugs in order to maintain franchise and portfolio revenues in the face of generic competition….”

3. Oprah’s Book Club sued for patent infringement

I admit it…the headline hooked me. I’m sure it will grab you, too.

I can hear it now: “Next, on today’s Oprah – Patent trolls, Dr. Oz and Nate Berkus – which of these three do I hate?”

4. The resignation of Jon Dudas

It appears that Jon Dudas might have announced, internally, his resignation as Director of the Patent and Trademark Office. While completely expected, this is interesting because it appears to eliminate the remote possibility the he would stay on board until a new Director is appointed, confirmed, and on the job.

But even more interesting are the comments on Dennis’ original post. We’ll have to wait, though, for the most interesting side of this story – where is he headed?

When is Mr. Dudas’ last day on the job? It appears that he’ll call it quits when W. does – January 20th.