Legal Definitions - Federal Circuit

The term Federal Circuit is the common shorthand for the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. This is a unique federal appellate court because, unlike the other twelve U.S. Courts of Appeals which hear appeals from federal district courts within specific geographic regions, the Federal Circuit's jurisdiction is defined by the *subject matter* of the case, not by geography.

It hears appeals from specialized federal courts and administrative agencies across the entire United States. Its primary areas of expertise include:

• Patent law cases
• International trade disputes
• Claims against the U.S. government
• Veterans' benefits claims
• Federal government contract disputes
• Certain cases involving federal employees

Decisions from the Federal Circuit can only be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Examples:

• Example 1: Patent Infringement

  A small technology company in California sues a large corporation in Delaware for infringing its patent on a new type of battery. After the federal district court in Delaware rules against the small company, the company decides to appeal the decision. This appeal would be heard by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, not the regional Third Circuit Court of Appeals (which covers Delaware). This illustrates the Federal Circuit's specialized jurisdiction over all patent law appeals, regardless of where the original lawsuit was filed.

• Example 2: International Trade Dispute

  An American importer believes that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency has incorrectly classified a shipment of goods, leading to an unfairly high tariff. After exhausting administrative remedies and losing a case in the U.S. Court of International Trade, the importer decides to appeal. This appeal would go directly to the Federal Circuit. This demonstrates the court's role in reviewing decisions related to international trade law and customs duties, ensuring consistent application across the nation.

• Example 3: Veterans' Benefits Claim

  A veteran living in Florida applies for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), but their claim is denied. After appealing through the VA's internal system and then to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, the veteran still believes the decision is incorrect and seeks further review. The next and final appellate step for this veteran would be an appeal to the Federal Circuit. This highlights the court's crucial function in overseeing the consistent and lawful application of veterans' benefits laws throughout the country.