Yesterday at the George Washington University Law School in a patent law conference focused on Brazil, former Federal Circuit Chief Judge Randall R. Rader presented interesting views on several issues:
(1) 7 Votes for Certiorari Grant in Patent Cases: The former Chief Judge noted the special expertise that the Federal Circuit has for patent cases. He proposed that a special level of 7 votes should be necessary for grant of certiorari in petitions to the Supreme Court which come from his former court. (The law today is that grant of certiorari requires a vote of 4 of the 9 members of the Court.)
(2) Amicus Curiae in the Chinese Judicial System: The former Chief Judge announced that he has appeared as amicus curiae in Chinese legal proceedings. He did not identify his principal(s).
Regards,
Hal