On March 25, 2026, the Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in Cox Communications, Inc. v. Sony Music Entertainment. The majority opinion limits contributory liability to situations where a party intended that its service be used for infringement, either by affirmatively inducing infringement or by selling a service tailored to infringement. A concurring opinion by Justice Sotomayor argues that the material contribution test should be retained, and that other forms of secondary liability can be found, which is consistent with the position asserted by AIPLA in its amicus brief filed on September 5, 2025. To read the opinion of the Court, please click here.

Arlington, VA. February 9, 2026 – The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted comments to the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress regarding the latest Draft Trademark Law of the People’s Republic of China. AIPLA recognized the NPC’s efforts to streamline trademark procedures, strengthen protection, and address abusive and bad-faith filing practices.

Arlington, VA. March 2, 2026 – The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in USAA v. PNC Bank, N.A., No. 25-853, in support of USAA’s petition for certiorari, urging the Court to provide much-needed guidance to address the unpredictable and overly broad application of the judicial exceptions to patent-eligible subject matter under 35 U.S.C. § 101, particularly the “abstract idea” exception.

Arlington, VA. February 20, 2026 – The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted comments to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade’s Concept Note on the proposed amendments to India’s Designs Act, 2000 (“Designs Act”). 

Arlington, VA. February 2, 2026 – The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted comments on the Supreme People’s Court of the People’s Republic of China’s Draft Judicial Interpretations concerning patent infringement disputes. AIPLA notes the SPC’s efforts to clarify and modernize patent litigation procedures but identified several provisions that would benefit from greater precision.