Synopses & Reviews
Gives a description of the U.S. patent system and a tutorial on how to read and understand patents, how to use patents as a source of information, how to recognize that an invention has been made, and how to work with attorneys or agents in seeking patent protection for inventions. Also gives the technical person enough familiarity with the special terminology of patents to be able to deal comfortably with patent attorneys, agents, and technical liaison personnel. Answers the questions not only of practicing chemists and chemical engineers, but also people in other fields who need to understand the patent system. The author of this second edition is a practicing patent attorney in San Francisco.
Table of Contents
Introduction: The Purpose of Patents
How to Read a Patent
Patents as an Information Source
Deciding Whether to File a Patent Application
The Independent Inventor: Obtaining Patent Protection
Preparation of the Patent Application
Prosecuting the Patent Application
Interferences and the Importance of Records
Patent Infringement and Patent Claims
Changes in U.S. Patent Laws: 1980-1990
Trends in U.S. and World Patent Law
Representative U.S. Patent Fees and Payment of Money
Making Use of Patents: Enforcement
The Employed Inventor: Assignments and Employment Agreements
Copyrights, Trademarks, and Trade Secrets; Design and Plant Patents