An international patent application usually refers to a patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), which has over 150 member countries worldwide. However an PCT application under the PCT does not result in a “PCT patent.” There is no such thing. Instead, the PCT provides a means whereby an applicant can file a PCT […]
Patent Applications
Information Needed for Initial Inventor Interview with U.S. Patent Attorney
You are an inventor and you have an appointment to speak with a patent attorney about your invention. In addition to answering your questions, the purpose of the initial interview is to provide the registered patent attorney with a description of your invention, information regarding public disclosure of the invention, and information helpful to the […]
Are computer-related inventions patentable in the U.S.? – PART 3
U.S. law defines the types of subject matter that may be eligible for patent protection: Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title. 35 U.S.C. Section 101 […]
Are computer-related inventions patentable in the U.S.? – Part 2
In Part 1 of this Article, we discussed the four statutory categories of inventions created by the U.S. patent laws: Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this […]
Are computer-related inventions patentable in the U.S.? – PART 1
Computer-related inventions present challenges for the U.S. Patent system. There are a number of issues involved. For example, there is the issue of whether a computer-related invention incorporates an abstract idea, but that is saved for later articles. This article addresses preliminary issues of whether the computer-related invention falls within one of four permissible statutory […]
Why are patent applications so slow and costly?
There is no one-size fits all for U.S. patent applications. There are options for both those who are well-financed and need broad patent protection, for those on a tight budget, and for those who just need to get something quickly filed before they deliver a presentation at a conference. Before discussing timeline and budget, a […]
