Archive for February, 2004
The Federal Circuit’s American Chef opinion - a reminder to update valuation analyses
The Federal Circuit’s recent opinion in American Chef v. Lamb-Weston has gotten me thinking about the tricky business of patent valuation. At issue in the case is the proper interpretation of a claim limitation that requires “…heating the dough to a temperature….” The patentee asked the court to apply a claim interpretation [...]
At long last…searchable assignment data on the web
The USPTO has launched a searchable form of its assignment database for issued patents and published applications. The search form allows you to search by a variety of parameters, and will give entire chain-of-title results for a document. Also, you can search by Assignor and/or Assignee, and get a list of all corresponding [...]
Top patent university earns top dollars for patents
Recently, the the USPTO announced that the University of California is the university that was awarded the most patents in 2003. The UC newspaper has posted an article that details some of the revenue UC has generated (and is generating) from its portfolio. The article also points out that the University intends to [...]
PCT Newsletter has more information on electronic filing of PCT applications
The WIPO PCT Newsletter for February, 2004 is now available. The newsletter has a thorough summary of the recently expanded electronic filing program for PCT applications. Perhaps most practical, the Newsletter includes a table that lists the Receiving Offices that are ?prepared to accept the filing of international applications in electronic form.?
As of [...]
Electronic filing of PCT applications now available
WIPO announced the deployment of its electronic filing program for PCT patent applications. Electronic filing requires use of the PCT-SAFE software.
Issued US Patents: Thoughts on building a better public document
The United States patent is an important public document that serves many purposes. For example, the claims define the subject matter from which the owner has the right to exclude others from making, using, and selling. Thus, the claims place the public on notice of the protected territory. Also, the patent provides [...]
Compromise reached on USPTO fee bill
A compromise was reached yesterday by the House Judiciary and Appropriations Committees regarding the patent and trademark fee bill (H.R.1561). Under the compromise, fees collected by the patent office that exceed the amount appropriated will be deposited into a Patent and Trademark Fee Reserve Fund. Apparently, the Fund will be rebated to USPTO [...]
Australian patent office seeks comments on patents and experimental use
In Australia, an Advisory Council on Intellectual Property (ACIP) is seeking comments on patents and experimental use.
Specifically:
“To examine whether some types of patents are inhibiting research and development in Australia and determine whether both Australian researchers and business would benefit from introducing an experimental use exception provision (or some other provision) into the Australian patent [...]
Today’s Top Ten List: USPTO list of Top Ten Universities
The USPTO released its list for the top ten patent-receiving universities for 2003. The schools on the list are not suprising, but the disparity between the top university (University of California) and the rest of the list is. Very interesting.
The list is here.
Microsoft delaying modifications to Windows and Internet Explorer until USPTO completes review of Eolas
Microsoft previously announced that it would make changes to its Windows operating system and Internet Explorer browser because of the recently upheld infringement decision against Microsoft and in favor of Eolas Technologies. Now, Microsoft states that it will wait for the Patent Office to complete its review of the Eolas patent.
This article summarizes the [...]
