From time to time, the Federal Courts seek the input of the U.S. Government in cases in which the United States is not a party. In such cases, the United Statesusually files an "amicus curiae" or "friend of the court" brief, explaining the government's position on the issues. The following are linksto amicus briefs in intellectual property cases in which the USPTO participated in formulating the government's position. These briefs, which were filed ineither the United States Supreme Court or the United States Courts of Appeals, provide a record of the positions the government has taken in intellectual property litigation.