This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
This case concerns patents covering engineered antibodies that lower LDL cholesterol, a form of “bad” cholesterol linked to cardiovascular disease.
The Supreme Court delivered a unanimous opinion.
The district court granted judgment as a matter of law that the patents were not enabled.
The Federal Circuit affirmed that the patents did not provide adequate guidance to make and use the claimed antibodies.
The Supreme Court affirmed the Federal Circuit’s decision.
Background and question before the Court
What each side argues
Amgen
Source-limited. The record does not yet support a complete account.
Sanofi
Source-limited. The record does not yet support a complete account.
What happened at oral argument
Justice Thomas asked counsel to explain exactly what the invention is.
Justice Thomas followed up asking whether only 26 antibodies had been invented.
Justice Jackson questioned how many “one‑offs” could be claimed.
Justice Kagan asked whether the parties agree on the legal test.
According to Justice Kavanaugh, justice Kavanaugh referenced hypothetical examples from the Solicitor General’s brief.
Justice Gorsuch asked about the legal standard for full enablement.
- [1] ea716016b7a5bbb954ad-r1-ec566d675926d179.pdf, p. 6
- [2] ea716016b7a5bbb954ad-r1-ec566d675926d179.pdf, p. 6
- [3] ea716016b7a5bbb954ad-r1-ec566d675926d179.pdf, p. 22
- [4] ea716016b7a5bbb954ad-r1-ec566d675926d179.pdf, p. 26
- [5] ea716016b7a5bbb954ad-r1-ec566d675926d179.pdf, p. 48
- [6] ea716016b7a5bbb954ad-r1-ec566d675926d179.pdf, p. 96
What the Court decided
The Supreme Court affirmed the Federal Circuit’s judgment that the patents do not satisfy the enablement requirement.
Why it matters
Terms to know
No glossary terms are available for this guide.
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- a8ac462514a7425129f7-r1-38eee11ef8e39ed4.pdfopinion
- ea716016b7a5bbb954ad-r1-ec566d675926d179.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 29, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.