by Tom Engellenner
The new AIA post grant proceedings not only authorize depositions but also make provisions for deposing witnesses in a foreign language. Similar to rules that have governed foreign language depositions in PTO interference proceedings (37 C.F.R. 41.157(d)), the new AIA rules for inter partes review, post grant review and covered business method review (37 C.F.R. 42.53(d)) require that “[i]f an interpreter will be used during the deposition, the party calling the witness must initiate a conference with the Board at least five business days before the deposition.” Beyond that the rules provide little guidance as to how the foreign language deposition is conducted.
Recently, in Ariosa Diagnostics v. Isis Innovation Ltd., IPR2012-00022, a PTAB panel was asked to confirm that the further guidance that has evolved in interference practice should be followed. Specifically, Isis asked the PTAB to adopt the guidelines set forth in Interference No. 104,539, Paper 54. In an order issued August 7, 2013 (IPR2012-00022, Paper 55), Judge Green did just that and set out twelve specific guidelines: Continue reading “PTAB Issues Guidelines on Foreign Language Testimony”
