Define: CAFC

The CAFC, or the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, is a specialized federal appellate court that primarily handles patent cases, as well as certain other types of cases, such as international trade disputes and government contract claims.

Unlike other federal appellate courts, the CAFC has nationwide jurisdiction and hears appeals from specific federal trial courts, such as the United States Court of Federal Claims and the United States International Trade Commission, in addition to appeals from district courts.

The CAFC primarily handles cases involving patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual property disputes. It also has jurisdiction over certain cases involving international trade, government contracts, and veterans’ benefits.

Yes, you can appeal a decision from the CAFC to the United States Supreme Court. However, the Supreme Court has discretion in deciding which cases it will hear, so not all appeals will be granted.

Judges of the CAFC are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. They are typically experienced in patent law or other areas of intellectual property law.

The time it takes for the CAFC to decide a case can vary depending on the complexity of the issues involved. On average, it takes around 12-18 months from the filing of the appeal to the issuance of a decision.

Yes, you have the right to represent yourself in a case before the CAFC. However, it is highly recommended to seek legal representation, especially in complex intellectual property cases, as the court’s rules and procedures can be intricate.

Yes, you can request a rehearing en banc, which means a rehearing before all the judges of the CAFC, if you disagree with the court’s decision. However, such requests are granted only in limited circumstances.

Yes, you can file a complaint against a CAFC judge for misconduct. The complaint should be filed with the Chief Judge of the CAFC, who will review the allegations and take appropriate action if necessary.

Yes, you can access CAFC decisions online through the court’s official website or various legal research databases. These decisions are typically available in a searchable format and can be helpful in understanding the court’s precedents and reasoning.