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Patents

Understanding the Three Steps of Conducting a Thorough Patent Search

The examiner of a patent application is required to perform a thorough search of the prior art, whereas a patent attorney is not required to perform a search. Finding the search field, choosing the right search tools, and figuring out the best search technique for each tool are the three key elements in this procedure. Domestic patents (including publications of patent applications), international patent documents, and nonpatent literature must all be included in the search box (NPL). No source may be excluded from the search unless the examiner has a good basis to do so and has no reason to believe that there will be further relevant references in that source. Both the claimed subject matter and any aspects that might be logically anticipated to be claimed should be included in the search. The examiner must take into account the coverage, strengths, and weaknesses of the available search tools appropriate for their chosen field while deciding which search tools to utilize. Each examiner's unique demands will determine the search techniques they use, with examiners in highly busy, high-technology fields—where patent documentation might not keep up with invention—getting special consideration. To ensure a thorough search under these circumstances, NPL and specific search tools may be required. Automated search solutions frequently include both text and categorized search functionality, with a combination of both being required in the majority of technologies. However, it can be difficult to effectively explain search demands in textual words, particularly in mechanical arts. In certain situations, it could be essential to use broader text terms or to browse all patent documents inside one or more classifications. Each case must be evaluated individually to establish the best search method for the tool(s) used, with [...]

By |2023-02-04T20:03:09-05:00February 8th, 2023|Patents|Comments Off on Understanding the Three Steps of Conducting a Thorough Patent Search
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The Importance of Disclosing Material Information in the Patent Process

You may ask whether obtaining a patnet is a complex process. The answer is it is a complex process. It requires careful attention to detail. It requires full transparency. That is why it is important to speak with a patent attorney as soon as possible to make sure you are properly and fully disclosing our invention. As provided in 37 CFR 1.56, those involved in the filing and prosecution of a patent application have a duty of candor and good faith in dealing with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Applicant's must disclose all information known to be material to the patentability of the claimed invention. This duty extends to each pending claim until the claim is cancelled, withdrawn, or the application becomes abandoned. The purpose of 37 CFR 1.5 is to ensure that the USPTO has all of the necessary information to properly evaluate the patentability of the claimed invention. A patent is a legal monopoly granted to the inventor. As such, the public has an interest that the patent examination process is thorough and transparent. When fully disclosing their invention to the USPTO, applicants can help to ensure that the patent granted is a true reflection of the invention and its novelty. In addition to disclosing information that establishes or refutes the patentability of a claim, applicants SHOULD review prior art cited in search reports carefully because it will help to inform you. This includes prior art of foreign patent offices and any information that is closely related to the claims being made. This can help to identify any potential issues with the patentability of the claimed invention and allow the applicant to address them before the application is granted. It's important to note [...]

By |2023-01-11T19:59:29-05:00January 28th, 2023|Patents|Comments Off on The Importance of Disclosing Material Information in the Patent Process
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Unsung Inventors: The Minds Behind Everyday Innovations

Looking at stories of some of the unsung inventors, from a patent attorney's perspective, who have made significant contributions to the world of technology and innovation, but are often overlooked in history books. These include the inventor of the paper clip to the creator of the first successful mechanical television. These individuals have had a lasting impact on our daily lives and yet are basically unknown. In the world of innovation and technology, everything thinks of big names like Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, and Steve Jobs. But what about the inventors whose names we don't know, yet whose creations we use every day? Let's talk about these unsung inventors and heros that have made significant contributions to our world, yet are often overlooked. One example is Johan Vaaler He was a Norwegian inventor and he patented the paper clip in 1899. The paper clip is a small invention, but it has become a staple in offices--despite actual staples. Vaaler's invention was a simple, yet effective solution to the problem of keeping papers together but unlike a staple, no damage to the papers. Johan Vaaler was a Norwegian inventor who is best known for inventing the paper clip. He was born in 1866. And like many early inventors, worked as a patent clerk--in this case in Germany and Austria--before returning to Norway in the late 1800s. In 1899, Vaaler was granted a patent for his design of the paper clip in Norway. The design consisted of a simple loop of wire that could be easily opened and closed to hold papers together. Vaaler's invention was quickly adopted. It became immensely popular in Norway and other parts of Europe. However, his patent was not filed in [...]

By |2023-01-15T02:14:36-05:00January 24th, 2023|Patent History, Patents|Comments Off on Unsung Inventors: The Minds Behind Everyday Innovations
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Recognizing the Contributions of Lesser-Known Inventors

One lesser-known inventor whose contributions have had a significant impact on our world is Grace Hopper.  Hopper was an American computer scientist and naval officer often credited as the inventor of the first compiler.  What is a compiler, you might be asking?  A compiler is a program that translates code into machine-readable instructions. Hopper was born in the early days of 1906.  As she got older she worked hard on her education and received a degree in mathematics and physics from Vassar College.  Obviously, for this story she didn't stop there.  Hopper later earned a Ph.D. in computer science from Yale University.  While working on her degree, Hopper developed an interest in computer programming, where she became one of the first people to write code for a computer. One of Hopper's most significant contributions was the development of the first compiler.  Compilers are essential tools in computer science, as they allow programmers to write code in a high-level language that is then translated into machine-readable instructions.  Without the earlier compilers, we would not be where we are today with computers.  Hopper's compiler was a significant breakthrough, as it made it much easier for programmers to write code and helped pave the way for developing modern programming languages. Despite Hopper's essential contributions to the field of computer science, Hopper's name is not as well-known as some of her contemporaries.  However, her story illustrates the vital role that women have played in the field of inventorship. In addition, she serves as a reminder of the many lesser-known inventors whose contributions have had a significant impact on our world.  Contact a patent attorney with Tucker Law today to discuss how you could become the next inventor of significant [...]

By |2023-01-11T19:39:01-05:00January 18th, 2023|Patent History, Patents|Comments Off on Recognizing the Contributions of Lesser-Known Inventors
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Recognizing the Contributions of Lesser-Known Inventors

One lesser-known inventor whose contributions have had a significant impact on our world is Hedy Lamarr. Lamarr was an actress and inventor who is often credited as the co-inventor of spread spectrum technology.  What is spectrum technology you might be asking?  Spectrum technology is a system that is used in modern wireless communication. Lamarr was born in Austria in 1914 and became an actress in the 1930s. She appeared in a number of Hollywood films, including "Samson and Delilah" and "Ziegfeld Girl." However, Lamarr was also interested in science and technology.  Lamarr spent her free time tinkering with inventions. One of Lamarr's most significant contributions.  That was the development of spread spectrum technology. She came up with the idea while working with composer George Antheil on her trip to help the Allies communicate during World War II. Their genius idea was to use radio frequencies to transmit messages, but to avoid detection they proposed changing the frequency constantly to prevent the enemy from intercepting them. Lamarr and Antheil were granted a patent for their idea in 1942, but it was not until the 1960s that spread spectrum technology was developed and put into use. Today, spread spectrum technology is used in a wide range of applications, including wireless communication and GPS. Despite her important contribution to the field of technology, Lamarr's name is not as well-known as some of her contemporaries. However, her story illustrates the important role that women have played in the field of inventorship, and it serves as a reminder of the many lesser-known inventors whose contributions have had a significant impact on our world. Contact a patent attorney with Tucker law to see if your idea can turn you into the [...]

By |2023-01-17T15:55:30-05:00January 17th, 2023|Patent History, Patents|Comments Off on Recognizing the Contributions of Lesser-Known Inventors
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