United States Fourth Circuit

District court erred in holding three officials of the Patent and Trademark Office absolutely immune from plaintiff's Bivens action for damages; as they were akin to investigators involved in pre-probable-cause activities, they are entitled to qualified immunity at best.

Appellate Information

• Decided 04/14/2004
• Published 04/14/2004

Judges

• Before WILLIAMS, MOTZ, and KING, Circuit Judges.

Court

• United States Fourth Circuit

Counsel

• For Appellees:
  
• ARGUED:  Adam Augustine Carter, Washington, D.C., for Appellant.   Richard Parker, Assistant United States Attorney, Alexandria, Virginia, for Appellees.   ON BRIEF:  Paul J. McNulty, United States Attorney, Alexandria, Virginia, for Appellees.