Key decisions with respect to patent matters published over the past year by the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and other federal courts will be discussed. The focus will be on the perspective of the scientist as inventor and as business manager, interested in maximizing the effectiveness of a patent portfolio. Emphasis will be placed on decisions that shed light on measures to be taken for the preparation and prosecution of strong and enforceable patents. Lessons for the success of both scientists and the patent lawyers with whom they work in partnership will be addressed.