Most inventors hope to either actively participate in the commercialization of their invention or license the invention so they may receive a royalty for such commercialization efforts. Working with a patent attorney to seek patent protection is only a portion of the typical patent based business. Continue reading Don’t forget a business plan while seeking patent protection
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Don’t Launch a Kickstarter Patent Problem
Kickstarter.com, Indiegogo.com and other crowdfunding sites have revolutionized the way that some businesses start up and raise capital. However, when new technology is involved, it is best to look before you leap. In a first-to-file patent system there is a danger that winning the race to raise capital could lead to losing the race to the Patent Office.
Patent Novelty Statute
Reproduced below is the Patent Novelty Statute, 35 U.S.C. 102 as amended by the America Invents Act. It is also available at uspto.gov.
(a) NOVELTY; PRIOR ART.—A person shall be entitled to a patent unless—
(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention; or Continue reading Patent Novelty Statute
Simple Patent Application Timeline
Above is an example of a potential timeline for a patent application. It is important to note that the example represents a very simple course of patent examination concluding in the issuance of a patent and that the discussion below contains only a few highlights of the application process. Continue reading Simple Patent Application Timeline
What the Patent Office Considers New
Understanding what the Patent Office considers new will not answer the question of what is patentable, but understanding what is patentable nearly impossible without an understanding of what the Patent Office considers new. Continue reading What the Patent Office Considers New
Don’t Lose the Race to the Patent Office
Louisiana inventors and business owners should understand the basics of the new patent law following the Leahy Smith America Invents Act. One of the most important aspects of the new patent law is how the Patent Office will be judging patent applications to determine if an invention is “new.” Continue reading Don’t Lose the Race to the Patent Office
Duty of Disclosure in US Patent Applications
Patent applicants have a duty to disclose relevant prior art to the Patent Office during the application process. The following sections address some of the basic principles associated with that duty of disclosure. Continue reading Duty of Disclosure in US Patent Applications
Business help for Louisiana Inventors
In addition to seeking the assistance of a patent attorney Louisiana inventors should focus on the business plans associated with their inventions. The Louisiana Business and Technology Center (LBTC) is a place where inventors and other innovators go for assistance with the business side of commercializing their inventions. LBTC serves as a business incubator for Louisiana businesses and Louisiana technology businesses in particular. Continue reading Business help for Louisiana Inventors
Search Tools for Louisiana Inventors
In Louisiana there are a variety of patent search resources available. If you contact a Louisiana patent attorney he or she will be able to procure a professional search on your behalf. However there are a number of free search tools available through the internet and locally. Continue reading Search Tools for Louisiana Inventors