The idea is that a patent application should cover only one invention. If more than one invention is present, then the examiner will object to this requiring that an applicant deletes the multiple inventions from the application and present only one invention. The situation...
Continue ReadingIf someone has invented something but not patented it, then it is not an infringement of their invention to manufacture and sell it. If they have (or someone else has) patented it or something else you use in your product then you have three options: License...
Continue ReadingWith my colleague, we have been developing a technological solution for a while now. We are currently making our first prototype. For a while have been skimming for competition, but only now found something direct competitor. They are filing for patents. Should I still continue...
Continue ReadingFor example, IBM has over 20K patents published every year. Now most are versions of the same spec but with inscrutable minor differences. So how do their teams detect patents that may infringe on IBM IP? Is it through serendipity, or do they employ contractors...
Continue ReadingIt can indicate that patent is a seminal patent. It can also indicate an overly broad patent or one that most clearly sets out a basic technology, even if it is not the first patent....
Continue ReadingIt is becoming increasingly difficult to get patent protection for apps - not impossible, depending on the nature of the technology, but difficult. I recommend that you speak to a patent attorney skilled in the area of software-based inventions. The costs of gaining patent protection in...
Continue ReadingFrank Bannigan at Kambrook, reportedly invented the power board allowing multiple electrical devices to be powered where only a single wall socket is available. He thought it best to be first to market rather than taking the time to patent it. Bannigan said “I’ve...
Continue ReadingThe meaning of innovation has moved a lot in the past few years from the dictionary definition. Let us start with “invention”. This is defined in contemporary patent law as something not publicly used, unpublished and non-obvious that also fits within an accepted definition of subject...
Continue ReadingPharma often try to evergreen the drug coming off-patent through follow-on patents. Examples include researching better production processes, producing better forms of the drugs (e.g. getting rid of impurities or combining them with other drugs). Pharma often do this research shortly after a drug is...
Continue ReadingThis assumes you have the product actually to sell. If you start selling the product without first getting a patent on it, then you are likely to lose the ability to protect it and your competition could muscle in on your invention. You need to do...
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