THE EVOLUTION OF PATENT VENUE IN THE AFTERMATH OF TC HEARTLAND

Discussion on the aftermath of the patent case of TC Heartland LLC v Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC and assesses the impact of the decision through approximately a year and a half year later. It explores how subsequent Federal Circuit decisions have further affected patent venue and analyzes how the decision affected cases that were concurrent with the decision. It also examines how the decision spurred changes in behavior for both defendants and plaintiffs, with an immense increase in motions concerning improper venue and a dramatic reshuffling of preferred districts for infringement suits. It further looks at the relevant statutes of the issue and how they changed over time.