The paper clip was patented. The toilet-paper holder was patented. The "one-click purchase interface" for Amazon's online sales was patented. They all seem pretty obvious to me now, years later when I realised just how valuable each patent later became, not during the patent application...
Continue ReadingThere are many examples of this. One fascinating reinvention is the mechanical astronomical clock. A mechanical astronomical clock, the Antikythera mechanism was recovered from a shipwreck off the Greek Isles in 1901 and dates back to around 150–205 BC. Su Song in China invented a hydro-mechanical astronomical...
Continue ReadingPatents are granted for an invention as defined in the “claims” of a patent. If a competing device falls within the scope of the claims, then they infringe the patent. If not, then they are not an infringement. If a competing device does not infringe...
Continue ReadingThe 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...
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