Do all patent appeals go here?

Yes. Regardless of which district court decided the case, a patent appeal goes to the Federal Circuit - which is why US patent law is national rather than varying by circuit.

Federal Circuit Court of Appeals - Patents, Claims & Trade Appeals

United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

The Federal Circuit is unique in the US system: its jurisdiction is defined by subject matter rather than geography. It hears **every patent appeal in the country**, from any district court, along with appeals from the Court of Federal Claims, the Court of International Trade, the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Patent law is therefore effectively national rather than circuit-by-circuit.

What it does

Hears all patent appeals from every federal district court
Reviews Patent Trial and Appeal Board decisions
Hears appeals from the Court of Federal Claims and Court of International Trade
Reviews Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims decisions and federal employment matters

Matters it hears

Patent infringement and validity appeals
Inter partes review and PTAB appeals
Government contract and takings claims
International trade and customs appeals
Veterans benefits and federal personnel appeals

Appeals & review

Appeals generally go to Supreme Court of the United States.

Appeal and review deadlines are short and strictly applied. Treat the decision date as the start of a clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all patent appeals go here?: Yes. Regardless of which district court decided the case, a patent appeal goes to the Federal Circuit - which is why US patent law is national rather than varying by circuit.
What else does it hear?: Appeals from the Court of Federal Claims, the Court of International Trade, the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, the PTAB, and certain federal employment matters.

Need a lawyer for a matter before the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit?

We are not affiliated with this court. Tell us about your matter and we will help you find relevant representation.

General information about jurisdiction and process, not legal advice. LegalCounselNearMe is not a law firm and is not affiliated with United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Procedures, forms and fees change — the official site is authoritative.