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Fasken Martineau's Alexandre Abecassis and Serge Lapointe are available to comment on major Patent Law changes in the United States

September 26, 2011


Montreal (Canada) - Fasken Martineau, a leading international business law and litigation firm, announced today that Alexandre Abecassis and Serge Lapointe, partners and patent agents with the firm, are available to comment on the new America Invents Act (AIA).
  • What is it about?

This new regulation signed into law by President Barack Obama on September 16th contains major changes to patent laws in the United States. The White House itself calls it "the most significant reform of the Patent Act since 1952." Some key aspects of the new Act are related to fee provisions, changes from first-to-invent to first-to-file to be granted a patent, or additional statutory provisions. These constitute dramatic changes to the American patent system. It clearly impacts Canadians doing business or seeking patent protection in the United States and, while it simplifies some parts of the system, it also adds uncertainties as to how to fully comply with the changes.
  • Who are the partners?

Alexandre practices in intellectual property and more specifically in the area of patents. As a registered Canadian and United States Patent Agent, he finds creative and proactive solutions that maximize the value of his clients' innovations. He has developed a practice mainly focused on the high-tech sector with innovations in electronics, software, imaging and telecommunication. He has also developed a solid expertise for protecting business methods as well as innovations in the aerospace industry. Serge has extensive experience in obtaining patent protection in the life sciences sector in Canada, the United States and abroad. He specialises in drafting patent applications and preparing opinions on patent validity and infringement for the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Any members of the media who would like to speak with Alexandre Abecassis or Serge Lapointe may contact Mathieu Rompré, media relations specialist, at 514 397-4349.

About Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP


Fasken Martineau is a leading international business law and litigation firm. With over 675 lawyers, the firm has offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, Québec City, London, Paris and Johannesburg. For additional information, please visit the firm's website at www.fasken.com.