Jack v. Department of Commerce (Fed. Cir. 2005) (05–3023) (NONPRECEDENTIAL).
Todd Jack is an Examiner at the US Patent Office (PTO). In 2000 Mr. Jack alleged to the FBI that he had been approached by employees of the PTO who “proposed that he join them in a scheme to sell patents and perform patent searches for persons outside the PTO for cash payments.” Mr. Jack made several other allegations regarding identity theft and bribe-taking by PTO employees and he brought his case to several agencies, including a congressional office, the Secret Service, Department of Commerce security officers, and the Office of Inspector General.
Later, in 2002, Mr. Jack’s supervisor gave him a written and oral warning that his performance was “unacceptable.” Another supervisor proposed that Mr. Jack be removed for “(1) Harassing and threatening behavior exhibited toward your supervisor and co-workers; (2) Making false statements concerning another employee; (3) Creating a hostile work environment; and (4) Inappropriate behavior in the workplace.”
In January 2003, the PTO sustained all the charges against Mr. Jack, but reduced the proposed removal to a 120–day suspension.
Mr. Jack filed an appeal at the PTO Board. The administrative judge assigned to the appeal held that the Board lacked jurisdiction and that Mr. Jack had failed to make a non-frivolous allegation that would be protected whistle-blowing activity.
On appeal again, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) did not touch the issue of “whistle-blowing activity.” Rather, the appellate panel found that Mr. Jack’s claims regarding improper procedure at the Board were without merit, and thus, upheld the Board’s decision denying his appeal.