Patent Term Extension Challenger Following Wyeth Decision Requests ‘Equitable Tolling’

In an amended complaint filed Feb. 4, a drug patentee cited the doctrine of equitable tolling in challenging a term extension miscalculation based on the recent Wyeth decision, even though the patent in question was issued more than 180 days earlier and so exceeds the statutory filing limit (Idera Pharmaceuticals Inc. v. Kappos, D.D.C., No. 1:10-cv-00166-EGS, filed 2/4/10).

Copyright Reform Law Updated for Digital Age Proposed by Advocacy Group Public Knowledge

e advocacy group Public Knowledge Feb. 15 announced a new five-part discussion draft for a Copyright Reform Act that is intended to update copyright law for the digital age.

Task Force on Domestic, International IP Enforcement Formed by Justice Department

Attorney General Eric Holder announced Feb. 12 the formation of the Task Force on Intellectual Property under the U.S. Department of Justice “to confront the growing number of domestic and international intellectual property (IP) crimes.”

Proposed Google Book Settlement Draws Fire from Justice Department at Hearing

NEW YORK—The proposed $125 million book search settlement between Google Inc. and associations of authors and publishers drew fire from the Justice Department at a court hearing Feb. 18 ( Authors Guild v. Google Inc., S.D.N.Y., No. 05 Civ. 8136 (DC), fairness hearing 2/18/10 ).

Obama Administration Proposes to Expand, Reform Tax Credit Program to Better Assist Small Businesses

DURHAM, N.C.—The Obama administration is seeking to expand and reform tax credits aimed at stimulating investment in economically distressed communities, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said Feb. 18.

Tax Cuts to Represent $13 Billion of $149 Billion Senate Jobs Bill, Congressional Budget Office Says

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s (D-Nev.) fully offset jobs bill, set to come to the Senate floor Feb. 22, includes targeted tax cuts valued at $13 billion, the Congressional Budget Office said in a Feb. 18 letter.

Obama Signs Executive Order Appointing Bipartisan Commission on Deficit; Senate GOP Leader Agrees to Participate

President Barack Obama Feb. 18 signed an executive order creating a bipartisan deficit reduction commission, and the plan received a boost hours later when Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) agreed to fill his three slots on the 18-member panel.

Limits on Scope of IRS’ Uncertain Tax Position Reporting Proposal Explored in PLI Webcast

Commissioner of Internal Revenue Douglas Shulman’s proposal for a tax schedule that would require large business taxpayers to proactively report their uncertain tax positions would not apply to taxes other than U.S. federal income taxes, nor would it affect passthrough entities, panelists said during a Feb. 18 Practising Law Institute webcast.

White House Issues Draft Guidance to Gauge Effects of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Federal Actions

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Draft guidance issued Feb. 18 by the White House Council on Environmental Quality would direct federal agencies to analyze the impact of greenhouse gas emissions from federal actions that increase emissions by 25,000 tons per year or more of carbon dioxide-equivalent.

EPA Launches Website to Increase Transparency, Understanding of Rulemaking Process

WASHINGTON, D.C.—A new Internet portal called Rulemaking Gateway will allow the public to understand and to participate in the Environmental Protection Agency’s rulemaking process, the agency said Feb. 18.