Here are a few stories you do not want to miss:

• The Wisconsin Law Journal has an article based upon a Northern District of Illinois case in which a summary judgment decision hinged upon a failure to substantively answer one of the other party’s Local Rule 56.1 statements of material fact.  In that case, a procedural objection was made, but no substantive answer was given.  So, when the objection was denied, the fact was deemed admitted.  This is a point I have made often:  follow Local Rule 56.1 closely and carefully.
• The Blog of the Legal Times reported that in a recent interview the Federal Circuit’s Chief Judge Michel suggested that the next nominees to the Federal Circuit should have the following backgrounds:  a patent-experienced district judge; a trial lawyer with patent experience; or a chief corporate lawyer with patent experience.