Maine Community Health Options v. United States
View Official PDFBelow are plain-language sections to help you understand what the Court decided in Maine Community Health Options v. United States and why it matters. Quotes are taken from the syllabus (the Court’s short summary at the start of the opinion).
Summary
A short, plain-English overview of Maine Community Health Options v. United States.
The Supreme Court ruled that judicial review is precluded for the agency's application of the time bar under § 315(b) of the inter partes review process. This decision reinforces the agency's authority to determine patentability without judicial interference, aligning with Congress's intent to streamline the process. The Court emphasized that allowing such appeals would undermine the efficiency of weeding out bad patents.
Holding
The single most important “bottom line” of what the Court decided in Maine Community Health Options v. United States.
The Court held that § 314(d) precludes judicial review of the agency's application of § 315(b)'s time prescription.
Constitutional Concepts
These are the Constitution-related themes that appear in Maine Community Health Options v. United States. Click a concept to see other cases that involve the same idea.
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Why Administrative Law is relevant to Maine Community Health Options v. United States
The case primarily deals with the limits of judicial review over agency decisions, which is a core aspect of administrative law.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)Section 314(d) precludes judicial review of the agency's application of § 315(b)'s time prescription.
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Why Judicial Review is relevant to Maine Community Health Options v. United States
The Court's decision focuses on whether judicial review is permissible for the agency's decision to institute inter partes review.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)A party generally cannot contend on appeal that the agency should have refused 'to institute an inter partes review.'
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Why Preemption is relevant to Maine Community Health Options v. United States
The case involves the interpretation of statutory provisions that could preempt state law claims, although it is more about agency authority.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)Section 315(b), setting forth a circumstance in which '[a]n inter partes review may not be instituted,' expressly governs institution and nothing more.
Key Quotes
Short excerpts from the syllabus in Maine Community Health Options v. United States that support the summary and concepts above.
Section 314(d) precludes judicial review of the agency's application of § 315(b)'s time prescription.
Allowing § 315(b) appeals would unwind agency proceedings determining patentability and leave bad patents enforceable.
A § 315(b) challenge easily meets that measurement.
