United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is a specialized intermediate appellate court within the U.S. federal judicial system. Unlike the 12 regional Courts of Appeals, which have geographic jurisdictions, the Federal Circuit's jurisdiction is nationwide and subject-oriented.1

This court primarily hears appeals in patent and trademark cases. It also handles appeals where the U.S. government is a defendant, such as in contract disputes or tax cases. The Federal Circuit was created in 1982 and is located in Washington, D.C. Its decisions can be reviewed by the Supreme Court of the United States. The United States Court of Federal Claims, which handles money claims against the U.S. government, has its judgments appealed to the Federal Circuit.12