By Donald Zuhn --
On January 22, 2007, the Federal Circuit announced a proposal to amend its rules by adopting Federal Circuit Rules 28(a)(15) and (16), 28(j), 30(k), and 31(b), (e), and (f); and by deleting Federal Circuit Rule 32(e). According to the Court's announcement, the rule changes would require parties represented by counsel to file a digital version of every brief and appendix, unless counsel could certify that such submission would not be practical or would constitute a hardship. The Court's requirements for the filing of paper copies of the briefs and appendices would continue unchanged. Proposed Rule 30(k) would result in the posting of digital versions of all briefs and appendices on the Federal Circuit's website, provided that such briefs and appendices are not redacted, sealed, or otherwise restricted by court order. In conjunction with the adoption of the proposed rules, the Court has also proposed to withdraw Federal Circuit Rule 32(e), which at present permits the filing of briefs on CD-ROM media. Comments regarding the proposed rules changes should be sent to the Office of the Clerk of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and must be received by the close of business on February 16, 2007.
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