Are Our Screens Talking To Our Nerves? Exploring The Intrigue Of U.S. Patent 6506148 B2

From the imaginative realms of science fiction, where technology has the power to tap into the human mind, comes a real-world patent that seems to turn fiction into fact.

U.S. Patent 6506148 B2 isn’t a storyline from a futuristic novel; it’s a legitimate scientific proposal that outlines a method for manipulating the human nervous system through the electromagnetic fields emitted by monitors. At its core, this patent resonates with the themes of classic sci-fi tales – the melding of human consciousness with technological prowess.

Yet, as much as this patent might seem like a leap into a new frontier, it also brings critical ethical considerations to the forefront. The ability to influence the nervous system through everyday technology is not just a marvel of innovation but also a potential Pandora’s box of ethical challenges. 

How do we balance the excitement of this scientific endeavor with the responsibility to use such power wisely? What are the implications for privacy, autonomy, and the fundamental nature of our interaction with technology?

In this article, we will delve into the details of U.S. Patent 6506148 B2, examining its technological foundations and the groundbreaking methods it proposes for interacting with the human nervous system.

Let’s dive in!

A Brief Overview Of U.S. Patent 6506148 B2

U.S. Patent 6506148 B2, titled “Nervous system manipulation by electromagnetic fields from monitors,” filed by Hendricus G. Loos in 2001 and published in 2003, deals with a method for manipulating the nervous system of a subject located near a monitor, which emits an electromagnetic field when displaying an image. 

US Patent 6506148 B2: Abstract

Source- Patent Lens

This manipulation is achieved by pulsing the image intensity displayed on the monitor with certain frequencies, specifically in the range of 0.1 Hz to 15 Hz. The patent suggests that these frequencies can excite sensory resonances in individuals, potentially affecting their nervous system.

The patent abstract mentions that physiological effects have been observed in a human subject in response to stimulation of the skin with weak electromagnetic fields pulsed at frequencies near ½ Hz or 2.4 Hz. The patent discusses the possibility of manipulating the nervous system of a subject by pulsing images displayed on a nearby computer monitor or TV set, either by embedding the pulsing in the program material or by modulating a video stream.

Also Read: Decoding U.S. Patent 10130701: The Breakthrough In Poultry Virus Control

Historical Context Of The U.S. Patent 6506148 B2

The historical context of this patent can be traced back to mind control and behavior modification research, such as the CIA’s MKULTRA project in the 1950s. This project involved various secret intelligence programs focused on interrogation, mind control, and behavior modification, which never officially ceased, according to the CIA’s statements. 

The patent also resonates with significant theories in mass communication, notably the Hypodermic Needle Theory and the Cultivation Theory. These theories have historically postulated the strong influence of media in shaping human thoughts and behaviors, pointing to the power of external stimuli in modulating personal and societal perspectives.

Furthermore, US6506148 B2 doesn’t stand alone but rather is part of a continuum of scientific inquiry. It references and builds upon earlier intellectual endeavors, such as Norbert Wiener’s 1958 discussion on the impact of nonlinear interactions and electric field stimulation on brain waves. Additionally, it draws upon Brennan’s U.S. Patent No. 5,169,380 from 1992, which is concerned with addressing disruptions in mammalian circadian rhythms. 

These connections highlight the patent’s integration into a long line of scientific exploration and technological advancement.

The Inventor Behind The U.S. Patent 6506148 B2

Hendricus G. Loos is the inventor behind the U.S. Patent 6506148 B2. Born in the Netherlands on December 18, 1925, and passing away on January 29, 2017, in Laguna Beach, California, Loos was a Dutch-born American research physicist and inventor. He held a degree from Delft University of Technology and worked at various organizations, including Plasmadyne Corp., Giannini Scientific Corp., Douglas Aircraft Co., Advanced Research Labs, and the University of California (as an Associate Professor of Physics). He was also affiliated with Laguna Research Laboratory and Cuewave Corporation.

Loos is known for a series of patents related to the manipulation of the human nervous system by electromagnetic means, a field he began exploring in 1999. These patents include:

  • Manipulation of nervous systems by electric fields (US5899922A): Filed in 1997, this patent describes an apparatus and method for influencing the nervous system through afferent nerves modulated by an externally applied weak electric field. The field frequency is chosen to excite a sensory resonance.
  • Remote magnetic manipulation of nervous systems (US6238333B1): Filed in 1999, it details an apparatus and method for remote manipulation of nervous systems using the magnetic dipole field of a rotating bar magnet.
  • Magnetic excitation of sensory resonances (US5935054): Filed in 1992, it pertains to influencing the nervous system by a weak externally applied magnetic field near 1/2 Hz frequency.
  • Thermal excitation of sensory resonances (US5800481): Filed in 1995, this involves exciting autonomic and cortical resonances of the nervous system by inducing subliminal heat pulses in the skin.
  • Method and apparatus for manipulating nervous systems (US5782874): Filed in 1997, it details manipulating the nervous system through afferent nerves modulated by externally applied weak fluctuating electric fields.

In addition to these patents, Loos has published several scientific papers reflecting his interests in plasma physics, gauge fields, and electromagnetic phenomena. Some of his notable publications include:

  • “The ‘Punch’ Method of Compressing, Heating and Confining of a Plasma” (1958)
  • “Some Dynamics Problems of the Pinch Method of Heating and Acceleration of Plasmas” (1959)
  • “Heating and Confinement of Plasma by a Magnetic Field of External Origin and With a Short Rise Time” in Phys. Rev. Ltrs (1959)
  • “Gauge Field of a Point Charge” in the Journal of Mathematical Physics (1967)
  • “Electromagnetic Part of the Free Yang-Mills Field” (1968)
  • “Factorizability of Einstein’s Field Equations” (1968)
  • “Quadratic Hadamard Memories” (1989)
  • “Quadratic Hadamard Memories II” (1990)

Loos’s patents, particularly those related to the manipulation of the nervous system, have garnered significant attention and speculation regarding their applications and implications. His work reflects a unique intersection of physics, neurology, and electromagnetism.

Also Read: U.S. Patent 4686605- Is It A Game Changer For Geoengineering? 

Current Relevance And Applications Of The U.S. Patent 6506148 B2

The US Patent 6506148 B2 is relevant, particularly in the fields of neuroscience, psychology, and technology. Here’s an overview:

Neurostimulation Therapies 

The underlying principles of the patent find applications in neurostimulation therapies for treating neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and migraine headaches. These treatments involve low-frequency, time-varying electrical stimulation, which can improve a patient’s quality of life​stimulation, which can have therapeutic effects​​.

Cognitive and Psychological Benefits 

Technologies and methods inspired by the patent’s principles, such as lucid dreaming induction and cognitive enhancement through electromagnetic stimulation, can offer mental health benefits, including improved cognitive abilities and treatment for PTSD-related nightmares. 

Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases 

Electromagnetic treatment methods have shown promise in reducing the severity and delaying the onset of symptoms in conditions like multiple sclerosis​​.

Research and Awareness 

The patent has sparked discussions and research into the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on human health, contributing to a greater awareness and understanding of EMF exposure’s potential impacts.

While the U.S. Patent 6506148 B2 has found significant applications in various fields, ranging from neurostimulation therapies to cognitive enhancement, its widespread influence has not been without controversy.

Controversy Surrounding The U.S. Patent 6506148 B2

The controversy surrounding the U.S. Patent 6506148 B2 involves 14 claims that the technology can manipulate a person’s nervous system via electromagnetic fields from monitors, potentially for mind control purposes. 

US Patent 6506148 B2: Controversy

SourceFacebook

While the patent draws on legitimate scientific principles regarding the nervous system and the brain’s bioelectrical nature, experts have expressed skepticism about its practical application. The technology described in the patent is akin to how certain types of strobe lights can trigger seizures, suggesting a potential for nervous system response to specific stimuli. However, the direct application for mind control, as implied by the patent and conspiracy theories, is widely debated and not conclusively proven. 

Beyond the specific claims of the patent, there has been broader concern among scientists about the effects of electromagnetic fields on human health. Hundreds of scientists have appealed to the United Nations and the World Health Organization for more protective guidelines regarding EMF exposure, indicating a need for further research and caution in this field​. 

US Patent 6506148 B2: International Appeal

SourceEMFscientist.org

To secure patent ideas, let’s now shed light on how innovative tools are shaping the landscape of patent management and utilization.

Also Read: U.S. Patent 10262281: How Dominos Unlocks New Efficiencies in Food Delivery?

Streamline Idea and Patent Management with the Triangle IP’s TIP Tool™

U.S. Patent 6506148 B2 marks a milestone in neuroscience and bioelectrical research, igniting discussions and paving the way for impactful technologies. These advancements hold the promise of bettering the lives of millions facing mental health challenges.

Companies like BrainWays, Wave NeuroScience, and NeuroEM Therapeutics are at the forefront, delivering solutions for neurological conditions, including anxiety, depression, smoking addiction, Alzheimer’s, and Autism.

These innovators are not only making a difference in healthcare but also securing their inventions with robust patent portfolios. Holding strong patents is key to maintaining a competitive edge in the market.

Effective patent management goes beyond just having great ideas; it’s about systematically capturing and safeguarding them, which calls for streamlined processes and the right tools.

The TIP Tool™ by Triangle IP transforms innovation management with its feature-rich platform, simplifying how ideas are captured, and patents are handled.

  • Streamlined Patent Workflow: The TIP Tool™ simplifies the journey from idea to patent grant. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface guides users seamlessly through stages like ‘Idea Capture,’ ‘Internal Vetting,’ ‘Patent Drafting,’ to ‘Filed Patents.’ This streamlined process ensures that innovations are protected efficiently and effectively.
  • Inventor-Centric Design: Designed with inventors in mind, the tool’s user-friendly interface makes it easy for them to document their ideas comprehensively. Role-based access ensures a secure environment, encouraging a culture of innovation while safeguarding sensitive information.

  • Collaborative Environment: The tool fosters a dynamic space for real-time brainstorming among innovators, managers, and patent attorneys. This collaborative approach ensures that ideas are meticulously evaluated and refined.

  • Analytical Insights: Equipped with advanced analytics, the TIP Tool™ delivers essential data on patentability, projected timelines, cost estimates, and real-time USPTO updates. These insights empower users to make informed decisions throughout the patenting process.

Here’s an overview of what the predictions from the TIP Tool™ look like for U.S. patent 10130701:

Check Points The TIP Tool™ Predictions About U.S. Patent 10130701Actual Information About U.S. Patent 10130701
Average Allowance Time3 yearsApplied in 2001, Granted in 2003
Average Argument Rounds 2Not Available
Average Allowance Rate71%100% (As it’s an issued patent)
End-To-End Patenting Cost Estimation$40,280Not Available 
Art Unit2625, 2422, 2425Group Art Unit (GAU) 3736

Triangle IP’s TIP Tool™ offers a platform that not only streamlines the patenting process but also aids in navigating the complex interplay of innovation, ethics, and public perception. 

For innovators and organizations venturing into groundbreaking technologies, the TIP Tool™ provides the clarity and structure needed to manage patents effectively. 

Embrace the future of patent management by integrating the TIP Tool™ into your strategy today.

U.S. Patent 10262281: How Dominos Unlocks New Efficiencies in Food Delivery?

In the bustling world of food delivery, timely and accurate updates are essential. Domino’s LLC addresses this need head-on with U.S. Patent 10262281, revolutionizing how customers track their orders. 

This patent introduces a decentralized system, where a single identifier, such as a phone number, connects customers directly to real-time updates about their orders via web, phone, or messaging. This eliminates the need for multiple contact points or specific location knowledge, simplifying the tracking process.

Domino’s innovative approach not only enhances customer experience by providing a seamless tracking system but also streamlines operational logistics. It frees staff from constantly responding to order inquiries, thereby improving service efficiency.

For innovators and industry leaders, U.S. Patent 10262281 is a beacon, illuminating how technology can simplify complex systems, improve customer interaction, and optimize business processes in the fast-paced world of food service. This article discovers more about how this patent solves problems and inspires a new wave of innovation. 

So, let’s dive in!

A Brief Overview Of U.S. Patent 10262281

U.S. Patent 10262281, issued on April 16, 2019, describes a method and system for centralized order status tracking in a decentralized ordering system. This patent was filed on June 11, 2007, and the assignee is Domino’s IP Holder LLC. 

Source: U.S.10262281B1

This patent focuses on a system where customers can track the status of their orders from a central system rather than having to contact individual locations. The key features of this system include:

  • Centralized Tracking with No Login: Utilizing a single unique identifier, such as a telephone number, customers can easily track their orders without the need to log in. This approach is facilitated through a dedicated website or a toll-free phone line, streamlining the process and enhancing user-friendliness. Customers no longer need to remember login credentials to handle or place their orders, making the system more accessible and convenient.
  • Automated Status Notifications: The system enhances customer convenience by automatically sending notifications about the order’s progress. Customers receive timely updates through email, text, or voice messages and are informed about stages like preparation, baking, and delivery.
  • Decentralized Order Processing: While the order processing is decentralized across various locations, the tracking remains centralized for customer ease. The system intelligently assigns orders to the optimal location based on factors such as delivery proximity.
  • System Configuration and Integration: The patent details the technical configuration of the system, including the central computer system at the central location, the order processing computer systems at the decentralized locations, and how these components interact to provide real-time order status updates.

Source: Dominos242

Historical Context Of The U.S. Patent 10262281 

The origin of U.S. Patent 10262281, assigned to Domino’s IP Holder LLC, can be traced back to the limitations of previous food delivery systems. Traditional methods typically require customers to contact individual restaurant locations directly to get updates on their orders. This approach had several drawbacks:

  • Increased Workload for Restaurant Staff: The staff at each restaurant location had to manage numerous order status inquiries, which was time-consuming and diverted their attention from other operational tasks.
  • Lack of Real-Time Tracking: Earlier methods did not provide real-time order tracking. Customers could not easily find out the current status of their order (e.g., whether it was being prepared, baked, or out for delivery), leading to uncertainty and a less satisfying customer experience.
  • Limited Communication Channels: The primary method of communication was through telephone calls. There were limited or no alternatives like text messages, emails, or online tracking, which restricted the convenience for customers, especially those who preferred digital communication methods.
  • No Automated Notifications: Older systems did not have the capability to inform customers about the status of their orders. Customers had to proactively seek out this information, which could be time-consuming and frustrating automatically.

U.S. Patent 10262281 introduced a novel, customer-focused approach to address these issues.

Source: Twitter

This system allows customers to use a single, easily remembered identifier, such as their telephone number, to check the status of their orders. It offers both web-based and telephonic interfaces for order status inquiries. This eliminated the need for customers to contact individual restaurant locations.

By relieving restaurant staff from handling order status inquiries and providing customers with an easy-to-use tracking system, the patented system significantly improved operational efficiency and enhanced the overall customer experience.

Must Read: U.S. Patent 4686605- Is It A Game Changer for Geoengineering?

The Inventors Behind U.S. Patent 10262281 

The inventors listed for this patent are James G. Vitek, David W. Haubenstricker, Eric R. Sweetland, and Timothy J. Wise. 

David W. Haubenstricker and James G. Vitek, two of the inventors, have been involved in filing for several patents, protecting a range of inventions. Their patents span various topics, including methods and systems for centralized order status tracking, routing food orders over a computer network, and methods for determining dispatch assignments of delivery orders. 

These inventions reflect their expertise in systems design, particularly in order processing and management in decentralized networks. 

Common Challenges And Setbacks During Development Of U.S. Patent 10262281

Here are some common challenges that are typically encountered in the development of such complex technological systems: 

  • Integration with Existing Systems: One of the major challenges in developing a centralized order tracking system for a decentralized network, such as different restaurant locations, is ensuring seamless integration with the existing diverse systems. Each location might have its own order processing systems, and integrating these with a central tracking application requires significant technical expertise.
  • Real-Time Data Accuracy: Ensuring real-time data accuracy in a system where multiple inputs are constantly updated (like order status from various locations) is a complex challenge. The system must handle and process these updates efficiently and accurately to provide real-time status to customers.
  • Scalability and Reliability: As the system is intended for use across multiple locations, ensuring that it can scale effectively to handle large volumes of orders without compromising performance is crucial. Similarly, reliability is key; any downtime or errors could directly impact customer satisfaction and business operations.
  • User Experience Design: Developing an interface that is easy and intuitive for both customers and staff of the decentralized locations is another challenge. The system must be accessible and user-friendly to ensure widespread adoption and effective usage.
  • Data Privacy and Security: Handling customer data, especially identifiers like phone numbers or email addresses, requires adherence to data privacy laws and standards. Ensuring the security and privacy of this data during transmission and storage would be a significant focus during development.
  • Testing and Quality Assurance: Rigorous testing is needed to ensure the system works as intended in various scenarios, including peak business hours, different geographic locations, and under different network conditions.

Addressing developmental challenges is crucial in keeping a patent viable, showcasing the intricate mix of technical, operational, and user-focused elements in innovation. 

The true testament to this technology’s success, however, is reflected in its acceptance by end-users. Let’s now explore the public’s response to this patent, understanding how it meets or diverges from user expectations.

Public Perception And Views On The U.S. Patent 10262281

The public perception of Domino’s Pizza Tracker, as featured in U.S. Patent 10262281, seems to be mixed. Various sources have highlighted concerns about the tracker’s accuracy, particularly in relation to the real-time status of pizza preparation and delivery.

One investigation, as reported on PopCulture, involved a writer conducting a personal test by ordering a pizza and observing the discrepancies between the tracker’s updates and the actual status of the pizza. The findings indicated that the tracker’s progress updates did not always align with the real-time activities in the restaurant, suggesting that the tracker might operate on pre-timed estimates rather than actual, live updates​. 

Source: Twitter

Mashed also reported on the accuracy of the Pizza Tracker, noting that while Domino’s claims the tracker is based on real store operations, it requires human interaction, which can sometimes lead to errors. The article pointed out that, in some cases, the delivery times and personnel reported by the tracker didn’t match reality, leading to skepticism about its accuracy. It was also mentioned that certain locations and drivers might feel pressured to manipulate the system to avoid negative impacts on their performance ratings within the company​. 

The Daily Meal further highlighted that the tracker’s accuracy depends on the employees at each location. It was noted that employees can sometimes “cheat” the system, leading to inaccuracies in the tracker’s updates. The tracker’s functionality was described more as an update tool on the completion of certain stages of the pizza-making process rather than a real-time tracking of the pizza itself​. 

Culminating the discussion on public opinion, it’s evident that these perspectives set the stage for evolving the technology behind U.S. Patent 10262281. So, let’s take a closer look into its future implications, as it promises to transform the customer experience and business operations across diverse sectors.

Future Implications Of U.S. Patent 10262281

The system outlined in this patent provides several advantages:

  • Improved Customer Experience: The patent introduces a groundbreaking method for order tracking, revolutionizing customer service across various sectors. This enhanced, user-friendly system is expected to greatly increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, potentially elevating the reputation of businesses that implement it by offering a smoother customer journey.
  • Synergy with Advanced Technologies: This patent facilitates integration with innovative technologies like AI, ML, and IoT. It enables developing sophisticated tracking and notification systems, offering personalized customer services and predictive analytics. The result is a more intelligent, anticipatory service model that adapts to customer needs and preferences.
  • Transformation of Business Processes: U.S. Patent 10262281 heralds a significant shift towards automated and decentralized business operations. It streamlines order management, reduces costs, and enhances scalability, setting a new standard for efficiency and adaptability in various industries.
  • Diverse Industry Applications: Originally aimed at food services, this patent’s methodology holds promise for a broad spectrum of industries, including retail, logistics, healthcare, and other service sectors. Its implementation could dramatically boost operational efficiency and customer engagement in these areas.

This patent could potentially influence how businesses approach order tracking and customer interaction, especially in industries where timely and efficient service is crucial.

Leverage The TriangleIP TIP Tool™ To Streamline Your Patent Program

U.S. Patent 10262281 from Domino’s LLC demonstrates the power of innovation in solving real-world problems. 

This patent represents more than just a technological advance; it signifies a leap forward in improving customer experience and operational efficiency in the dynamic world of food service.

Innovation is complex, and patenting is even more so, requiring data-driven decisions. Innovation managers seeking to harness enterprise-wide creativity and build a strategic patent portfolio turn to TriangleIP’s TIP Tool™ for streamlined patent program management. Here’s why

  • Idea to Patent Tracking: Simplify your innovation management process with the TIP Tool™. Its drag-and-drop interface allows seamless progression through stages like ‘Idea Capture,’ ‘Internal Vetting,’ ‘Patent Drafting,’ and ‘Filed Patents.’
  • Inventor-Friendly Idea Capture: Overcome the reluctance of inventors to fill out complex forms. The TIP Tool™ features an easy-to-use Invention Disclosure Form (IDF), encouraging more submissions of patentable ideas.

Source: TIP app

  • Real-Time Collaboration: Foster efficient idea vetting with a Google Docs-like interface. The TIP Tool™ enables collaborative editing, review, and tracking of ideas, ensuring comprehensive evaluation from multiple perspectives.
  • Controlled Access Dashboards: Protect sensitive IP information in your enterprise. The TIP Tool™ offers role-based access controls, ensuring employees only see what they need.

Source: TIP dashboard

  • Case Analytics: To optimize patent prosecution strategy, it’s crucial to consider key factors: allowance likelihood, argument rounds, timeline, costs, patent counsel and examiner analytics, etc. The TIP ToolTM delivers these insights through deep analysis of extensive patent documents. For instance, here are the predictions by the TIP Tool for the U.S. Patent 10262281.
Check Points The TIP Tool™ Predictions Actual Information
Average Allowance Time3 yearsApplied in 2007, Granted in 2019 ~11 years
Average Argument Rounds 1.7Not Available
Average Allowance Rate78%100% (As it’s an issued patent)
End-To-End Patenting Cost Estimation$40,280
The maintenance fee for the 2nd cycle is due on 04-16-2027
Not Available 
Art Unit3627, 2652, 2651Group Art Unit (GAU) – 3623
Examiner AnalyticsSterrett, Jonathan GAvg. Allowance Rate – 69% Avg. Argument Rounds – 1.6Avg. Allowance Time – 1.9 yearsSterrett, Jonathan G
  • Informative Dashboards: Gain valuable insights into the patent pipeline with ease. The TIP Tool™ provides diverse dashboards, helping innovation managers assess patent negotiation prospects and costs and track team members’ key performance indicators (KPIs).

  • USPTO Status Updates: Stay informed with automatic updates from the U.S. Patent Office. The TIP Tool™ updates you on critical developments like office actions and maintenance fee deadlines.

Register on the TIP ToolTM today to streamline your patent program!

How Can You Increase Engagement with Innovators in the Enterprise?

How Can You Increase Engagement with Innovators in the Enterprise

Your developers’ goals do not always match up with your enterprise’s goals. Your inventors, engineers, scientists, and developers have short-term goals like:

  • Product release dates
  • Version update deadlines
  • Timelines for clinical trial submissions

As a result, the innovators in your company focus on these important goals and allow patents to fall by the wayside.

But your enterprise’s goal is to protect its innovations. Patents give your enterprise the flexibility to incorporate your innovations into your products, license them to other enterprises, or enforce them against your competitors.

Read on to learn how the TIP Tool can help your enterprise encourage engagement by your innovators in your invention capture system.

Get Your Innovators Into the Right Mindset

Not all innovators have a natural affinity for working with patents. For example, as you get more towards software, only a few technical folks are accustomed to working with patents. To bridge this gap, implementing idea management software that simplifies the patenting process can make it more accessible and less overwhelming for these innovators.

Innovators who have prior experience and familiarity with patents are easier to motivate and engage in your invention capture process. But for other innovators, patent capture is a foreign concept and outside of their comfort zone. And when they get involved, they get overwhelmed

As a result, you end up with an innovation capture system that lags your development cycle. Or your innovators de-prioritize innovation capture within the enterprise.

Putting your innovators into the right frame of mind will help you increase engagement. If they view innovation capture as having a low priority, they will not engage in the system. But if you emphasize the importance of innovation capture, your innovators will at least try to engage in your innovation capture system.

Also read: 7 Surefire Ways to Get More Invention Disclosures!

Simplifying the Process to Increase Engagement

Emphasizing the importance of innovation capture is not enough to increase engagement. You will also need to provide your innovators with tools they can use and engage with.

The TIP Tool makes engagement as easy and as transparent as possible. It also keeps innovators informed throughout the whole process so that they can understand what is going on with their invention. This information allows innovators to track how their innovation is being protected and how it is progressing through the patent office.

Simplifying the Innovation Capture Process

The TIP Tool starts with a very simple invention disclosure form (IDF). It only has a few questions, requests contact information, and then provides a free form disclosure. The inventor can talk about the advantages, how the problems are being solved, and why your innovation is happening.

In a premium tier, the TIP Tool allows your enterprise to customize the IDF with a couple more questions. Customization allows you to incorporate the company’s internal nomenclature so that no training is required for your innovators and other staff. You can add/edit fields of the form.

Making the Innovation Capture Process Accessible and Transparent

The TIP tool maintains a whitelisted email address for each innovator. This allows each inventor to get on the tool and start entering in ideas. By allowing the inventor direct access to the system, you pose the least amount of friction in the innovator’s participation. This feature is a key aspect of controlling patent costs without compromising quality, as it streamlines the entire patent lifecycle from idea capture to filing. And innovators can use their access to watch as things progress through the complete patent lifecycle. They can track their work through the idea capture phase, the vetting phase, the drafting phase, and the filed phase.

After filing, the innovator will see the invention progressing through the US and some foreign patent offices. They have the ability to look at the status of the applications, relieving pressure on the managers, administrators, and patent lawyers from having to provide constant updates. It also creates a very transparent process. Transparency and accessibility encourage innovators to work together. 

The TIP Tool can list multiple inventors on a particular idea. The system can display contact information so the other innovators can also see the idea and, if they think of a way to augment it, they can upload a presentation to the TIP Tool.

Accessibility also improves the quality of the patent filing. The innovators work together to capture a virtual file with all the information necessary to fully describe and understand their innovation. Whoever drafts that patent has everything the innovators included.

The patent lawyer can also send draft applications to the administrators, managers, and innovators involved in the invention. As these drafts go back and forth through the tool, people have the ability to comment. This provides detail and color to the patent application.

By providing an interactive and transparent process, innovators can see what happens with their inventions from the beginning to the end. This increases the likelihood they will remain engaged in the process.

Making the Innovation Capture Process Cheaper

Instead of remaining in the dark, inventors understand:

  • Where are we with the arguments?
  • How many patents do I have?
  • What was that patent I filed three years ago?

These are just some of the questions that come up as people get more engaged in the process. The TIP Tool provides answers to these questions in a way that conventional tools cannot.

So, using conventional tools to get answers to these questions can cost a lot of money. You will need to pester your patent attorney to get that information. And of course, the lawyer bills for the time to gather that information for you. As a result, conventional systems are too opaque and too confusing to get any smart person on your technical staff to engage in the process.

Creating a Usable System to Increase Engagement

The TIP Tool demystifies the invention capture process. It provides:

  • Straightforward answers about the status
  • Predictions on how much it will cost
  • When it’s going to be allowed tentatively

As a result of this simplicity, accessibility, and transparency, innovators will find themselves engaging more in the enterprise’s innovation capture process.

You can learn more about the TIP Tool from Triangle IP by taking a product tour. You can see how the innovation capture process works within the TIP Tool. You can even sign up for an interactive product demo so you can experience the features of the TIP Tool for yourself.

Idea Evaluation: 6 Questions to ask while Selecting Ideas for Patents

Is your ideas to budget ratio usually skewed – in favor of ideas? Evaluating ideas for patentability becomes a brain-drain exercise in such a scenario. However, selecting the right ideas will most efficiently put your budget to work. Balancing the delicate act of managing patent costs while ensuring quality is crucial in this context. This post lays out a framework to help you choose ideas for patenting that have the most potential.

Most enterprises choose to evaluate patents after they issue, which is much easier than at the beginning of the process where ideas are selected for patenting. The ideas that will be the most valuable as patents require speculation. The ultimate claim scope and importance of an innovation to market success requires educated guesses at the beginning of the process.  The risk factor is almost always high.

So how do you make sure to minimize the risk while evaluating ideas for patentability? Ask these 6 questions:

  1. What is the value of your idea in the marketplace?
  2. How core is it to your business and its revenue?
  3. Is it already in a product or in a roadmap for commercialization?
  4. How ‘observable’ is your idea if a competitor were to copy it?
  5. What is the likelihood of a successful patent grant on your idea?
  6. How enforceable will your patent be?

Value of your idea in the marketplace

Imagine your product on a shelf next to similar products – would the innovation get someone to buy your product? Is it easier to use, cheaper, faster, or better in a way that would motivate a purchase?

Select the idea, if you can visualize that it would make your product the preferred choice for customers. To determine this, ask if your patent is going to cover a key feature of the product? Ask if it is useful or game-changing enough to be a steady contributor to your business revenue. Will the unique product drive over the next twenty years?

Evaluating Ideas for Patentability | Q1 - Will idea make your product a preferred choice for customers?

A great way to assess how much value your idea has is by working backward from what your marketing team has to say about it. For example, the tagline for your product might be, ’It’s twice as fast as the competition!’ Work back to the innovation that enables that boast to the market. If you find that the patent if issued would protect that innovation, you know you have a winner. Having a market-driven approach is the right one to have when assessing ideas for protection. If your marketing team can’t say much about your innovation, there might be another idea more worthy of your budget. 

How core is the idea to your business?

Some ideas in your repository may be revolutionary. Some of your broadest innovation may happen in parts of the business that may have little market potential. These revolutionary ideas are not always synonymous with big profits. In these situations, devising a comprehensive IP strategy becomes essential for balancing innovation and profitability. On the other hand, there may be ideas that don’t seem revolutionary but can protect large portions of the company’s profits. So, it becomes imperative to weigh ideas against potential profit and growth of the business that they would protect. 

Evaluating Ideas for Patentability | Q2 - Is idea revolutionary or revenue generating?

Imagine this. A leading company sells inkjet printers. But they generate the largest chunk of their revenue from ink sales, not the printers which are sold at a loss. They may have revolutionary ideas for their printers without any corresponding profit. So ideas in this space are not as valuable. However, if they were to come up with an idea to make the ink in the disposable cartridge cure quicker…knock-off replacements would smear or otherwise not have the performance of the genuine product. Not the most revolutionary idea, but definitely one that is great for the business as it protects a higher margin product.  

Apart from revenue building, there are some ideas that may be an intrinsic part of your business identity. One that is important to dominate for your brand.  Ask if this is one of them. What value, if any, will it have over the next couple of decades without that product anchoring your business?  For example, a car brand may sponsor a competitive racing team and protect their winning edge even if it may never be used in the production automobiles.  Winning races drives customers to want your cars even if they bear little resemblance.

Is the idea going to be commercialized?

There may be a ton of great ideas from your innovators, but not every idea will be an important product/addition for the next 20 years. If you cannot imagine how to put your innovation into a product, it is almost certain that there is no revenue that it will generate. Investing resources in acquiring a patent for such an idea is of no value. But an idea that contributes to a product your business currently offers or something that is just to be released automatically becomes a frontrunner. Here’s a threshold test – Are there plans to put your innovation into a product? If yes, spend your IP budget trying to protect it.

Timing is everything in the innovation to patent journey. The closer the release date of the product your idea is related to, the more valuable it is as a patent. Once your product is released in the market, the idea that it carries becomes subject to duplication and any innovation starts becoming part of the public domain. So the release of an idea into the market without patent protection could be hazardous. The bottom line is if innovation cannot go into a product, any patent would only be wall art.

Evaluating Ideas for Patentability | Q3 - Is idea related to the product about to be released?

How ‘observable’ is your idea?

Observability is a big factor as you’re thinking about ideas to choose for patent protection. Prioritizing the ones that can be observed allows ascertaining infringement should that be necessary. This underscores the importance of understanding the difference between patents and trade secrets in protecting intellectual property. For instance, your company has developed a chip that goes deep into a data center used in an enterprise. Say your competitor is using this chip. How likely are you to find it out? Consequently, will you be able to assert your patent against them? The answer, highly unlikely. 

When you are looking to build your patent portfolio, look for ideas that will be readily identifiable. So if you are looking at internal processes or small innovations like the chip, it may be a better business decision to treat them as trade secrets. Unidentifiable innovation should not eat into your budget. 

Evaluating Ideas for Patentability | Q4 - Is the idea observable?

How likely is a patent granting on your idea?

It’s important to be aware of the kinds of patents being issued by patent offices. There are some technology areas in which patent offices are wary about issuing patents. For example, patent offices are reluctant to issue patents for business methods, some therapeutics and certain kinds of software. Then there are things that are not patentable at all. Genes, human-performed medical procedures, tax optimization schemes, etc. It is thus imperative to know beforehand what is patentable before investing in a patent for your idea. 

Evaluating Ideas for Patentability | Q5 - Is the Idea Patentable?

There are tools available to help you ascertain these statistics. At Triangle IP, the  TIP Tool has it on the feature roadmap! With this feature, the TIP tool predicts the Patentability Score on your innovations. This score will be based on how likely similar technology gains allowance as a patent. Knowing the patentability score shall ease out your decision-making process.

How enforceable will a patent be for your idea?

Certain technology is difficult to enforce, generally, even where a patent is issued. Courts are likely to overturn patent claims in certain cases. Software, especially abstract software concepts, business methods, and the like are difficult to enforce presently. Knowing that a patent will be difficult to enforce should be considered.

The cost of the patent should always be outweighed by the volume of profit that the patent can generate. Patenting cost includes all the resources that you will need to invest in the patent journey. Protect something valuable enough such that damages models will support enforcement of the patent.  Some innovation although great, can never overcome the cost of getting the patent.

Evaluating Ideas for Patentability | Q6 - How enforceable will your idea be as a patent?

Thinking about what damages might be enforced if it ever reaches such a stage could also be a deciding factor. The amount of damages will also be largely dependent on how your patent claims are constructed and other legal issues. A great idea that has all the potential to be a powerful patent in your arsenal can be broken if the claims are constructed improperly or if there is some other legal flaw. Read this for tips and tricks to draft a high-quality patent application

Evaluating Ideas For Patentability | Wrap Up

While this is not an exhaustive list of questions for you to consider when evaluating ideas for patentability, it’s a good place to start. More specific questions will be born from the specific needs of your business that may change from time to time. Think long term (at least 20 years) when evaluating ideas for patentability. Channel resources wisely so that money spent can result in revenue that contributes to your resource pool for the future.

At Triangle IP, we have a value field to score ideas. The value field can be 1 to 10 based on the answers to these questions.  Many of these factors can be considered and weighted according to priorities within your enterprise.

On a side note: Would you want to know how your patent application is progressing at the USPTO compared to other applications in the same domain? 

The TIP tool offers statistics of the law firm and the examiner handling your case. Once the application is filed at the USPTO, and an examiner is allotted to your case, the tool indicates the relative performance of the law firm handling your case. The statistics revolve around the number of arguments, grant rate, and grant time. The tool also indicates the case health, for instance, it can tell you if a case needs your attention. There is a whole bunch of insights that you can gather from the TIP tool for strategic patent prosecution.

Request insights for any of your cases at the patent office using the form below.

Note: The preceding is general business advice and not to be construed as legal advice. IP laws vary by country and retaining licensed legal counsel is advised to confirm this information. Any expressed or implied opinions are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Triangle IP or any other entity who might be associated with the presenter. We hope this content is helpful to you, but should not be relied upon without confirming the advice and accuracy with local legal counsel. Any comments or inquiries are not confidential so please discuss your issues directly with counsel.

6 Ways to Strengthen Your Patent Portfolio

6 Ways to Strengthen Your Patent Portfolio

The other day I was speaking to a portfolio manager at a large enterprise.  He was given a task to enhance the patent portfolio for the company. My first question to him was about the process of capturing ideas from inventors.

Me: “How do you capture the ideas and collaborate over the ideas to transform them into valuable IP?”

He: “We conduct certain brainstorming sessions, capture ideas in excel sheets and pursue as and when we feel a need for the same.”

In my experience of working for over 20 years with so many enterprises, the scenario is pretty much the same. Most enterprises use excel sheets, emails, docketing softwares (that’s like giving a factory when all that’s needed is a simple machine), or some other make-do softwares to capture ideas. In this landscape, exploring alternative idea management platforms like Ideascale can revolutionize how ideas are captured and developed into valuable IP.

You Might Wonder What’s Wrong With Using Such Tools?

Well, in the absence of easy capturing and thorough vetting, a lot of things may happen which hurt the value of a patent portfolio.

  • Great ideas get lost while traveling amongst various stakeholders.
  • Weak ideas get pursued for filing a patent resulting in either a rejected patent or a low-value patent.
  • Filed/Granted patents are sometimes great in terms of innovation but do not have a market demand as the business team did not collaborate while persuasion.
  • Effort gets wasted on an idea which the company has already filed a patent on in the past by some other inventor.
  • Sometimes inventors get so busy with the progress of the invention that the idea gets completely missed out of the patenting process. Even worse, the product reaches the market without IP protection. And, competitors take full advantage of it.

Hence what’s needed is a defined process to capture ideas. A way to collaborate over ideas to conduct thorough internal vetting. A place where all the stakeholders from different arenas of a business and research can contribute. Thus making sure that only the finest ideas are pursued for filing patents. 

Strengthen Your Patent Portfolio Proactively

Strengthen Your Patent Portfolio Proactively

Besides this, a strong culture of innovation at the workplace and a time-to-time audit of the portfolio shall also be beneficial towards a valuable patent portfolio. Implementing a well-thought-out IP strategy can be a game-changer in nurturing a culture of innovation and strengthening the patent portfolio.

Here are 6 quick pointers that can help you strengthen your patent portfolio:

1./Effective Innovation Capturing

2. Thorough Vetting

3. Curating An Innovation Driven Culture

4. Getting Patent Experts Onboard

5. Pruning To Strengthen Your Patent Portfolio

6. Expediting Patenting Process

#1 Effective Innovation Capturing

It all starts with an idea. So, the inventor comes up with an idea. Maybe he shares the idea with you, maybe he does not. Maybe you review or maybe it gets slipped as you were too busy. And the inventor gets busy working on that idea totally forgetting about the protection it might need. Whether patent or trade secret or defensive publication. 

Now the product that gets created based on the inventor’s idea is revolutionary. And it reaches the public domain without any IP protection. It’s under the threat of fast followers. Companies out there who have resources and capital are always on a look for products which they can easily copy and sell for a lower cost. These guys also save on money that you spend on R&D and engineering of the product. Thus, grabbing the market share that your company deserved actually.

And the worst part is you cannot do anything about it. 

This necessitates to have a defined place to capture innovations and track their progress throughout the lifecycle.

Another thing that acts as a friction for inventors to disclose inventions and add them in the patent pipeline is: “long, non-intuitive invention disclosure forms with jargons that only attorneys understand”. To alleviate this, incorporating simplified invention disclosure forms can significantly reduce friction and encourage more inventors to participate.

At TriangleIP, we understand this friction and thus we have kept the idea capture form very simple in the TIP tool.  

An Easy Idea Form For Inventors | Strengthen Your Patent Portfolio

#2 Thorough Vetting

If you have a bunch of ideas coming in from different inventors; it’s very much possible that you might not have a budget to pursue them all for IP protection. So in order to choose which ideas to pursue, the ideas need to get evaluated from different aspects. You might wish to keep some ideas as trade secrets or give some to public domain with patent protection. Hence what’s needed here is a thorough vetting of ideas.

Thorough Internal vetting of Ideas | Strengthen Your Patent Portfolio

Innovation happens quite early in a process. Typically before you have any customer or market validation. Hence all that can be done is speculation on which ideas will generate revenue a few years down the line. It takes around 3-5 years to get patent protection for an invention.

However, one thing that helps you mitigate the risk and choose the best of ideas is to have it vetted by people from different streams; business, legal, engineering, strategy, etc. This highlights the importance of having a robust idea management tool that can facilitate such multifaceted vetting processes.

Listed below are some important factors to consider to zero down on the ideas for patenting:

  • Strategic vision of the enterprise.
    • Alignment with a product line to have market dominance. 
      • Say there is a company that deals in smart refrigerators. It would want to have patents around advanced functions of refrigerator like: Ordering groceries based on the supplements about to finish in the refrigerator.
    • Market expansion across geographies.
    • Just for defensive purposes against probable lawsuits.
  • Relevance of technology to be patented in long term. Technologies go out of date as industries evolve. 
    • Example: Mobile phones have almost out-dated the landline phones in the last few years.  
  • Budget allocated towards IP.

#3 Curating An Innovation-Driven Work Culture.

“When failure is not an option, we can forget about creativity, learning and innovation. – Brene Brown”

Embracing failure is the key to have an innovation driven culture. Because the studies suggest that a significant percentage of innovations fail. The companies must have enough risk appetite (financially) to handle the failures. (Because somewhere there are chances of blockbuster success too).

And that’s not all, there are many other factors that can encourage or kill innovation culture at an enterprise.

The other day I was reading a book called “The Invincible Company” and in that, I came across a beautiful concept called “The Culture Map”. The culture map talked about the Enablers and Blockers of innovation at a company. It resonated really well with me. 

On a side note: Would you want to know how your patent application is progressing at the USPTO compared to other applications in the same domain? 

The TIP tool offers statistics of the law firm and the examiner handling your case. Once the application is filed at the USPTO, and an examiner is allotted to your case, the tool indicates the relative performance of the law firm handling your case. The statistics revolve around the number of arguments, grant rate, and grant time. The tool also indicates the case health, for instance, it can tell you if a case needs your attention. There is a whole bunch of insights that you can gather from the TIP tool for strategic patent prosecution.

Request insights for any of your cases at the patent office using the form below.

Innovation Culture Blockers:

  1. Lack of Innovation Strategy.
  2. General Fear of Failure.
  3. Bureaucracy slowing down innovation.
  4. Locked into Current Business Model.
  5. Lack of skills, knowledge and experience.

Innovation Culture Blockers | Strengthen Your Patent Portfolio

Innovation Culture Enablers

  1. Strategic guidance.
  2. Resource allocation.
  3. Innovation Tools.
  4. Legitimacy and Power.
  5. Skills development.

Innovation Culture Enablers | Strengthen Your Patent Portfolio

It would be beneficial to take a quick look inside your organization for these enablers and blockers. This shall further be helpful in creating an environment where innovation shall flourish for the organizational good.

#4 Getting Patent Experts Onboard:

Lack of expertise in drafting patents may result in rejection. Mentioned below are some of the top reasons for rejection of patent applications:

  • Improper and Insufficient description of the invention and how it works.
  • Lack of novelty.
  • Non-patentable subject matter; e.g. new use of a known substance.
  • Erroneous Writing: Issues with line numbers, reference numbers on drawings, or paragraph numbers.

If you don’t have in-house experts to write the patent, we suggest that you choose an IP firm that has the reputation and the experience to handle the end-to-end process. You need to have the right people on the job to draft the patent. Ensure that the one who is writing the patent has deep knowledge of the technology, has the right background, understands the fundamentals of a patent, and so on. 

#5 Pruning Patent Portfolio | Abandoning ‘Out-of-Date’ Patents

Let’s say you have a portfolio of many patents (50 or more), only a few of them would be worth a lot. The rest will guzzle your time, effort and money.

Maintenance fee alone can become a significant expense if there are many patents in a portfolio and for quite a long time. The snapshot below  shows the maintenance fee to be paid for patents at different time intervals.

Maintenance Fee USPTO| Patent Pruning | Strengthen Your Patent Portfolio | Abandoning Out-of-date Patents

The ability to know when to stop investing in bad IP assets is important to have a strong patent portfolio. This strategic decision-making can be enhanced by understanding the nuances of patent monetization, especially in identifying valuable versus obsolete patents.

If you look carefully in your portfolio, you will find that there are patents that are areas in orphaned technology or where there is no commercial interest. Free up the budget allocated for it to work on an innovation that is more promising. A technology that was once highly used does not mean it is going to be relevant forever. Some of the patents might have run their utility. 

Let’s take a look at how IBM has pruned it’s patent portfolio over the last 2 decades. IBM has abandoned thousands of patents across T0, T1 and T2. This probably saved them millions of dollars and strengthened the patent portfolio.

IBM US Abandoned Patents by Pruning 1999-2020 | Strengthen Your Patent Portfolio

There can be many reasons for abandoning the patents:

We, at Triangle IP, are on the way to bring analytics to the TIP tool  that shall help the users identify hopelessly expensive cases.

  • Out-of-date technology as the industry evolved over the years.
  • Change in patent laws in different geographies.
  • No market presence, say you got patents in the UK but the business related to those patents never really took off in the UK. So, maintaining those patents does not make sense.

#6 Expediting the patenting process to be at the right time in the market.

There was a time when it took more than three to five years to get your patent up and running. Thankfully, that’s not the case anymore as you can easily get an expedited patent for a few thousand dollars in the US. While it might sound like a big number for a new startup, if it means that you can build your portfolio quicker, then it is wise to get that leverage for yourself. 

You can also watch this video by our co-founder where he explain portfolio management in a greater detail:

To Sum It Up:

Here is a quick recap of the pointers that shall help you progress towards a strong patent portfolio.

1..A well-defined business process to capture ideas and progress them to valuable IP (Intellectual Property). 

2. The process must provide for thorough vetting from strategy, market, legal, feasibility, financial aspects.

3. Curating an innovation culture by removing the blockers and supporting the enablers shall help your people to come up with more valuable inventions.

4. Ensure that your patent applications do not fall in the rejection bucket by hiring experts to write your patent applications.

5. Time-to-time pruning of the patent portfolio i.e. abandoning the patents (due for renewal) can help you strengthen the patent portfolio.

6. Expediting the patenting process for a few thousand dollars shall be a good tradeoff to be at the right place at the right time.

Note: The preceding is general business advice and not to be construed as legal advice. IP laws vary by country and retaining licensed legal counsel is advised to confirm this information. Any expressed or implied opinions are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Triangle IP or any other entity who might be associated with the presenter. We hope this content is helpful to you, but should not be relied upon without confirming the advice and accuracy with local legal counsel. Any comments or inquiries are not confidential so please discuss your issues directly with counsel.

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3 Ingredients of High-Quality Patent Application

Understanding and decoding a patent can feel like reading a foreign language. Patent claims are littered with legalese and hard to parse. A deep dive into strategies for both SMEs and large companies in patenting can elucidate ways to effectively navigate these complexities. We might rely on recommendations or go to an established firm to get a patent drafted. Sometimes, the tendency is also to get it done as inexpensively as possible.

However, when you can’t judge the quality, then you can’t make a sure decision. So, differentiating a good quality patent from a not so good quality patent may seem like a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few tips and tricks that make this easy.

There are three ingredients of a high-quality patent application you must look for:

1. Substantive coverage

2. Simple language without ambiguity

3. Technical details: Visuals, Citations, and References

Substantive Coverage

Contrary to popular belief, in a patent application, less is not more. A detailed description of the invention along with alternative solutions is essential to ensure broad coverage. 

Good patents tend not to be short. A short patent may have 4-5 figures and are very high level. They have very little detail in them. A really good patent would have about 10-15 figures correspondingly with detail that can be added to the claims if needed. Hence, when you get a draft back, check whether it is 3 pages long or 15 pages long. Generally, the more said about the innovation, the more likely you are going to get a better coverage.  Description of alternative solutions to the underlying problem will allow claiming those later as your competition tries to design around your roadblocks.

Claims are a very important part of a patent application. It’s quite debatable on what the claims should look like. A long book could be written on the topic and still would not make things easier. As a broad rule a high-quality patent application must have claims directed to how your innovation uniquely solves the underlying problem that originally motivated the invention. Dependent claims can add details as possible fallback positions. 

However there are few red flags you can look for while evaluating the claims:

  • Claims should be written in such a way that others cannot design around that would create legal gaps.
  • Too narrow claims reduce infringement opportunities, but if they are too broad it is unlikely that they would be allowed.
  • Technology covered in claims must be relevant 10-15 years down the line as the industry evolves.

Substantive Coverage Example: Techniques In Transit Advertising

Let’s take a look at the claims of this high-quality  patent application on “Techniques in Transit Advertising” for example. It has 3 independent and 13 dependent claims with 26 figures.

In summary the patent is for a method to generate a request for an advertisement based on an identified ridership pattern of a user of a transit system:

Let’s take a look at claims.

Let’s take a look at the coverage of this claim:

  1. The claim talks about retrieving information to find the advertising preference for the rider of the transit system to tailor the experience.
  2. It also talks about the kind of information that shall be retrieved: entry point, exit point, duration of transit, time and location of plurality of such transactions so that the advertising is location relevant.
  3. The claim also covers the places for displaying the advertisement like faregates, kiosks, countertops, etc. for the rider.

Going through the complete claims set of this patent, gives a good idea of what claims should look like. The other claims cover a lot of possibilities around the invention like merchant proximity, information that can be displayed other than advertisements, type of media (machine readable) etc. to provide further detail and fallback positions.

The Heart Of The Invention

Once you have a draft patent application, the inventor(s) should read it critically. Has the draft properly detailed the heart of the invention (i.e., the key differentiator that enables your invention). This critical evaluation aligns with key considerations in evaluating ideas for patentability, ensuring the invention’s core is thoroughly and creatively described. Is the heart of the invention only mentioned in a cursory manner? Or, is it filled with creative detail and alternatives?

Reading of the draft should surprise the inventor with its thoroughness and detail. This goes to show how much thinking has gone into describing the invention. Remember, the patent application is not a marketing tool. It doesn’t need to be flashy with marketing language. The purpose of a patent application is to get the patent granted. And for that, the application must be detailed and thorough. Failure to disclose the details of the invention amounts to a failure to describe how the inventor was in the possession of the claimed invention.

The patent office requires the inner workings and technical detail on how the heart or the core of the invention works.  It should provide the detail to allow another to make and use the invention.  The drafter should go in much deeper detail even if the product has not been built.

You should see that detail in the draft.

Think about what the most important technological thing is. For one, it should be captured in the claim. Because it is hard to parse the claims, ask the drafter, where it is mentioned in the claims. Then work your way back and see how much writing is there about that. A good patent application should have at least 2-3 pages of the core of the invention i.e. selling point of the innovation. 

Scope of Application

Does the draft speak to what is unique about that invention and define its scope too?

In addition to the uniqueness of the invention, the application must also have a wide scope to enable others to understand how it might be built. Ensure that it covers the existing and future scope of innovation as far out into the future as you might imagine. 

Simple Language

High-quality patent specifications are written in unambiguous language to be easily understood. The simple language also ensures that the ideas are not lost in translation.

This means the application must read like something familiar to you or any other similarly trained engineer, developer or scientist. If vague or confusing, it leads to potential attack down the road. If only the claims could be written to avoid the legalese, but the precision of their meaning requires the use of language that the courts have defined in their legal decisions.

Technical Details

A long, thoroughly drafted specification with thorough technical detail must have 

  • Block Diagrams
  • Citations
  • References

Block Diagrams

The visual impact of an application is almost as important as the written word. Make sure that the application includes pictographic representations of the invention – block diagrams, mechanical drawings, graphs, screenshots, etc.

Like ample description, the visuals should portray the innovation from different perspectives. For example the block diagram shown below is from a patent on “Techniques in Transit Advertising” (We have used the same patent as a reference throughout the post for easier understanding :)). The patent has 26 figures – a sign of high-quality patent application.

The illustration above is from the patent AU2013262776B2 (Google Patents Database).

Citations

A citation is a reference to prior art that’s relevant to a current patent application. 

There are two different types of citations 

Backward Citations

Backward citations are patents that are cited by a specific patent and forward citations are patents that cite a specific patent. In other words, these are earlier published documents that are publicly available before the filing date of a new patent application/prior art. 

Forward Citations

A good application must find and cite documents that 

  1. may anticipate the claimed invention, 
  2. or might be similar to the claimed invention and limit the scope of the patent protection, 
  3. or which generally reveal the state of the art of the technology.

These are forward citations. The number of forward citations a patent receives is often reflects on a patent’s significance.

The use of citations in a patent application shows the thoroughness of research. These can also act as markers to detail the scope of the invention. 

References 

A patent includes citations to other patents and literature that the examiner may find relevant to patentability (i.e., prior art). Adding references to the patent application makes it easier for the examiner to evaluate the same and indicates sophistication by the filer and generally indicates searching may have guided the draft.

They also add weight and credibility to the application, thereby increasing the chances of a grant.  The examiner will also search for references.  All the references will appear on the face of the patent application and more is better.

A good search prior to drafting helps define the novelty in the context of what others have done.  Claims should be drafted to broadly cover the innovation, but not step too far into the prior art.  Especially where your drafter may be unfamiliar with your technology, a good search can help familiarise them.

Tools To Evaluate Patent Quality

You might consider using a tool to evaluate patent quality. That is not a bad idea, but it has a downside. Let’s see how.

The quality of a patent encompass objective as well as subjective factors.

Objective factors are the ones that can be computed or measured by software. These include

  • Length of Specification
  • Number of claims
  • The number of words in the independent claims

Subjective factors are more traditional like:

  • Scope of the application
  • A correct and complete description of the heart of the innovation
  • How important innovation is to your business?

The tools available in the market can help you judge the quality of a patent defined by objective factors. It’s even possible to manipulate these objective factors. In fact, experienced and expert drafters can remarkably improve the quality of a patent. But for the subjective factors, human feedback is necessary.

In case you want to watch more about filing high-quality patents, I suggest watching below video:

 

A Quick Recap

With this post we have tried to equip you with the ability to differentiate between a low and a high-quality patent application. To summarize presented below is a 7-points checklist for high-quality patent applications.

  1. High-quality patent specifications are written in unambiguous language to ensure that the ideas are not lost in translation.
  2. Claims should be directed to how your innovation uniquely solves the underlying problem that originally motivated the invention. Dependent claims can add details as possible fallback positions. 
  3. A high-quality patent application should have at least 2-3 pages of the core of the invention i.e. selling point of the innovation. Failure to disclose the details of the invention amounts to a failure to describe how the inventor was in the possession of the claimed invention.
  4. Make sure that the application includes pictographic representations of the invention – block diagrams, mechanical drawings, graphs, screenshots, etc. Like ample description, the visuals should portray the innovation from different perspectives.
  5. Numerous references in a  patent application make it easier for the examiner to evaluate the same and indicate sophistication by the filer. They also add weight and credibility to the application, thereby increasing the chances of a grant.
  6. A high-quality patent application covers the existing and future scope of innovation as far out into the future as you might imagine.
  7. The use of citations in a patent application shows the thoroughness of research. These can also act as markers to detail the scope of the invention. In this context, understanding the role of invention disclosures in capturing such essential elements becomes pivotal.

On a side note: Would you want to know how your patent application is progressing at the USPTO compared to other applications in the same domain? 

The TIP tool offers statistics of the law firm and the examiner handling your case. Once the application is filed at the USPTO, and an examiner is allotted to your case, the tool indicates the relative performance of the law firm handling your case. The statistics revolve around the number of arguments, grant rate, and grant time. The tool also indicates the case health, for instance, it can tell you if a case needs your attention. There is a whole bunch of insights that you can gather from the TIP tool for strategic patent prosecution.

Request insights for any of your cases at the patent office using the form below.

Conclusion

A well-drafted patent application, as expensive as it may be, is one of your best business investments. To ensure a high-quality patent application, hire the best. Read and re-read, keep editing, and amending and make the application thorough. In exchange for a limited monopoly, description and enablement are the “consideration” that you must provide to the public. 

To make the patent application even stronger, ask the following questions:

  1. Can this patent be adapted to the jurisdictions you would like to take it to in the future? Gain some insights here on the global patent portfolio strategy.
  2. How easy or difficult does the application make it to detect or prove infringement based on public information?
  3. Will competitors be able to understand the relevance of the patent?

Let’s keep that discussion for another day!

Wondering if your IP strategy is strong or not; read this “Is My IP Strategy Headed In Right Direction”!

Note: The preceding is general business advice and not to be construed as legal advice. IP laws vary by country and retaining licensed legal counsel is advised to confirm this information. Any expressed or implied opinions are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Triangle IP or any other entity who might be associated with the presenter. We hope this content is helpful to you, but should not be relied upon without confirming the advice and accuracy with local legal counsel. Any comments or inquiries are not confidential so please discuss your issues directly with counsel.

TIP Tool is free for your whole team

No credit card required. No setup fees. No need to download.


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Patents Vs. Trade Secrets: Which Way To Go?

Patents vs Tradesecrets which way to go

Patents Vs Trade Secrets | Choose Wisely!

‘Patents are expensive, why don’t we just trade secret everything?’ If this is a thought and cost cutting is something you’re looking to do, read on. It is no secret that investing in patents is an expensive affair. At the same time, a rich IP portfolio is very advantageous. While considering the financial aspects, it’s important to explore ways to manage patent costs effectively without losing out on the benefits of a strong IP strategy. Here, we talk about Patents, Trade Secrets, and Defensive Publications as IP tools to help you decide which one to be used in which scenario.

Trade Secret:

A trade secret is any information that’s unique to your enterprise and gives you an advantage over your competitors. As a company, this could include formulae, technical data, code, manufacturing data, customer information or any other technical, scientific information that a company may take steps to keep secret.  To keep such things as a trade secret does not require any money however you need to take care of certain things to maintain the secrets (as described later).

Defensive Publication:

A defensive publication is a disclosure of invention by the inventor to the public. This disclosure allows the inventor to safeguard the freedom to use this invention by preventing others from patenting it.

In the event a patent is sought to be obtained for the same or similar invention, a pre-dated defensive publication will act as a deterrent to the issue of such patent.

Put simply, any printed or electronic publication that fully describes an invention and was published before the filing date of a patent application can disqualify that patent from being granted.

Patent:

A patent is an exclusive right granted by a government for an invention, which is a product or a process that provides, in general, a new way of doing something, or offers a new technical solution to a problem. 

In order for an invention to be patentable,  

  1. It must be new
  2. It must involve an inventive step, one that is non-obvious to a person skilled in the field
  3. And it must be capable of industrial application

Patents protect your inventions for 20 years during which you enjoy a monopoly in the market place. However patent protection is country specific. So you enjoy the monopoly within the geographic boundary that your patent has been granted in. As a patent owner, you can do the following:

  1. You have the right to prevent others from using it, abandon it, sell it.
  2. You may also assign it or license it in totality or for a specific purpose. 

So, how does one choose what kind of protection to use for an invention? 

Trade Secrets

There are three vital things to do when you think of protecting something as a trade secret:

  1. Define your trade secrets and maintain an inventory of the trade secrets of your organization.
  2. Make your employees aware of the fact that these are trade secrets. Ensure confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements are in place.
  3. Do not make any information about your trade secret publicly available.

In line with these precautions, it’s critical to implement strategies to safeguard intellectual property in transition periods, such as when a co-founder or key employee departs.

Here are some questions that will help you choose the right type of IP protection: “Patents Vs Trade Secrets”.

How easy is it to reverse engineer your invention?

The thumb rule of trade secret protection is to use it when inventions are impossible or require a very hard degree of effort to be reverse-engineered. By its very nature, a trade secret is vulnerable to reverse engineering because it only remains secret until it’s a secret! So, patent protection for inventions that can be easily reverse-engineered is more appropriate. How easy reverse engineering is; depends on the nature of your invention.

Mechanical inventions

Products that are a result of this kind of innovation are fairly easy to reverse engineer. With anything that is easy to reverse engineer, trade secret protection becomes completely ineffective.  

Chemical Compositions, Software & Electronic Inventions

While these are not as easy as mechanical inventions, with a little time and effort these products can also be reverse-engineered. Read this to understand how!  

Processes

These are quite difficult to reverse engineer. Since processes are business-specific, they are easier to keep within the company. There is a long list of food products that have managed to keep their recipes or chemical formulae as trade secrets for many years e.g. Coca-Cola, Listerine, Twinkies, Krispy Kreme Donuts, WD-40, etc. Google Search Algorithm and NewYork Times criteria for creating the best Sellers list are two processes that serve as great examples for trade secrets.

How beneficial is it to your company to keep your invention a secret?

In a cut-throat market place, competition is everything. A major aspect to consider if keeping your invention a trade secret gives you a clear competitive advantage. There are six factors of competitive advantage: price, quality, selection, speed, turnaround and service. Does your trade secret serve or help further any of these purposes?

Who are your likely competitors and how motivated will they be to access your invention?

To choose the right kind of IP protection, it is important to understand your competition. The motivation of your competition to access your invention will be directly proportionate to your market position. So, having a clear understanding of your market, your product and the path of your company will help with answering this question. 

Will the invention be useful after 20 years?

One of the reasons you choose trade secret protection over patent protection is to extend the lifetime of protection that it offers. While patents offer you protection or a monopoly of 20 years; trade secrets can last you a lifetime. Although trade secrets are less of a strain on the pocket procedurally, keeping them a secret always comes at a cost. Being able to gauge the usefulness of your invention after 20 years is a great tool to decide how you would like to protect it. 

Patents

The following is a list of reasons to patent and questions that will help you evaluate the patentability of an invention:

Competitive Edge

A business usually wants to patent an invention to have a competitive edge, market power, and as a tool to earn more money. Hence the first question to ask is whether there is a market for the invention, the technology, or products incorporating it? 

Need in the Market

If there is a market for your invention, what are the available alternatives to it, and how do they compare with your invention? Check multiple factors such as utility, price, availability, customer satisfaction etc.

Utility of Invention

Once you have data on the market space, ask if the invention is useful for improving an existing product or developing a new product? If so, does it fit in with your company’s business strategy? 

Fund Raising

Another big reason for choosing to patent is using it as a tool to raise funds and attract potential investors. Before you choose to spend resources on a patent, check if there are potential licensees or investors who will be willing to take the invention to market?

New Revenue Stream

If you are looking to patent to sell your invention or as a tool to add a new revenue stream by licensing your patent, ask how valuable will the invention be to your business and to competitors? Also, just how easy is it to reverse engineer your invention from your product or to “invent around” it? Is reverse engineering easy enough to tempt others, especially competitors, to invent and patent what you have invented?

Sales & Profit

Purely as a tool to increase sales, profits, and revenue, do the expected profits from an exclusive position in the market justify the costs of patenting?

Commercial Utility

Lastly, what aspects of the invention can be protected by one or more patents, how broad can this coverage be and will this provide commercially useful protection

Defensive Publications

If you don’t want to walk down either the Trade Secret or the Patent route, you may consider a Defensive Publication. By making a defensive publication, your invention is neither a trade secret, nor patentable (if not done so within the time frame offered under certain jurisdictions). A defensive publication may be ideal for smaller inventions or inventions which do not serve your company greatly, financially. This approach is particularly relevant for software startups strategizing their IP approach, where the decision between patenting and keeping a trade secret is critical.

What a defensive publication does is safeguards your right to continue doing what you are doing or at the very least opening yourself out to challenge patents. When you make a defensive publication, you essentially disallow someone else from filing a patent. Or giving you the arsenal you need to hold a patent invalid because you published first. With a defensive publication (made in the USA), you are given a one year grace period to file a patent based on such publication. 

A Quick Recap | Patents Vs Trade Secrets

To summarise, here is a tabular comparison of “Patents Vs Trade Secrets”.

FactorsPatentsTrade Secrets
Reverse EngineeringNot a factor that needs to be worried about since you make public disclosure with a patent, and are granted full rights.The easier it is to reverse engineer your invention, the riskier it is to protect it as a trade secret.
CostExpensive mechanism of protection. Involves attorney fee for drafting and filing and official fee for obtaining a patent.In theory, a trade secret is free. Practically, keeping it a well-guarded secret may cost your company a certain sum of money.
Life of the inventionIf your invention can stand the test of time and still be relevant after twenty years, this is not the right protection.The benefits of keeping a trade secret are directly proportionate to the life of your invention.
Funding and Marketing Better option to obtain funding as ideas become easier to explain to investors because of public disclosure. Difficulty in explaining the invention to an investor for fear of divulging a secret may prove to be a hurdle for funding.
First Mover AdvantageYou lose out on the advantage of being an initial significant occupant as disclosure through a patent application can help competition enter the same market space slightly quicker than otherwise. With choosing to protect your invention as a trade secret, you can extend this advantage to a slightly longer time as your competition will have no information on your invention in the public domain before its market entry. 

Conclusion

Choose wisely when deciding how you want to protect your ideas/inventions. Trade secrets are a great way forward and help you save your resources. Use these resources in patenting your best inventions. They don’t always have to cost a fortune. Here’s a guide to cost-effective patenting.

Like all things, life and business, IP protection is also all about balance. Trade secrets and patents can sometimes be used in a manner that is more complimentary than the contrary. IP strategy is personal to a Company and its journey. Hopefully, this shall make you choice easier: Patents Vs Trade Secrets.

Note: The preceding is general business advice and not to be construed as legal advice. IP laws vary by country and retaining licensed legal counsel is advised to confirm this information. Any expressed or implied opinions are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Triangle IP or any other entity who might be associated with the presenter. We hope this content is helpful to you, but should not be relied upon without confirming the advice and accuracy with local legal counsel. Any comments or inquiries are not confidential so please discuss your issues directly with counsel.

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Types of Intellectual Property & Related Costs – Triangle IP

Everything about you IP cost in US

A Quick Overview: Types of IP

Type of Intellectual Property (IP) protection needed for an invention depends on the nature of invention. Each of 4 main types of IPR – Patents, Trade Secrets, Copyrights & Trademarks has their own use cases. Patents are best suited for inventions that revolve around a product – process of manufacturing, its layout or appearance etc. This brings into perspective the importance of strategies for patent monetization in leveraging the commercial potential of patents.

If you wish to protect a recipe or a formula, keeping it as a trade secret shall be the best choice. Copyrights protection is well suited for artistic works like music. Trademarks are the best way to protect the visuals that represent a brand.

Each type of IPR protection costs different, this post shares great insights on costs related to each type of IP protection.

To Patent or Not To Patent: Inventor’s Choice

In August  2010, two MIT alums filed a patent for an application that helps multiple clients share and access files over a network. There are high chances that you’ve used this file-sharing app. You must have used “Dropbox”, Haven’t you? Today, it has more than 14 million users and is a billion-dollar enterprise.

 

Dropbox patent drawing - Intellectual Property related costs

 

Not every founder, inventor or developer is as generous as  Linus Torvalds, who gave his masterpiece (LINUX) to the world for free? 

If the founders (Drew Houston & Arash Ferdowsi) of Dropbox Inc. hadn’t protected their asset by patent, Dropbox might have even had 10 times its user base today, but they wouldn’t benefit from it. This is why individuals and organizations should safeguard their intellectual property. 

Most organizations are wary about the costs involved in protecting their intellectual assets.There is an assumption that it costs a bomb to get it secured. In addressing these concerns, developing a global patent portfolio strategy becomes essential to manage costs effectively. While there is no easy answer on how much it costs to safeguard your intellectual property, the safest answer is – “it depends on a lot of factors”. In this article, we will help you traverse the difficult terrain of intellectual property and your IP-related costs. 

 

What Is Intellectual Property? 

 

The intangible creations of the human mind are called intellectual property. It refers to inventions such as literary work, artistic work, designs, symbols, names, product recipes, images, and so on. To ensure that others do not steal your intellectual property, you need to secure them.

There are four different types of intellectual property (IP) rights.  

  • Trademark
  • Patent
  • Copyright
  • Trade Secret

 

4 Types Of Intellectual Property : Patents, Trade Secrets, Trademarks, Copyrights

 

Trademark:

An American conglomerate filed a lawsuit against a Chinese company for using a brand name that was eerily similar to theirs. Even though the courts found that there were dissimilarities in products, since the latter was able to acquire clients and capture significant market share using the brand name, they had to pay up the American company. 

What Is A Trademark?

It protects brands. Under the law, a trademark is anything by which customers recognize a brand or the source of a product. A trademark offers legal protection for logo, design, symbol, phrase, wordmarks, or a combination of those that represents a source of goods or services. 

Example:

 

Trademark Example - Intellectual Property related costs
Credits: Legalwiz

 

 

Costs For Securing Trademark Rights in USA:

According to USPTO, the initial application fee for electronic filing for a trademark is $225 per class of goods/services. There are 45 classes of goods and services. 

  1. Your attorney will file a trademark application for you and the charges for it will be anywhere between $300 and $1000.
  2. Once the application is filed, it will be examined by a Trademark Examiner. 
  3. If the examiner issues an Office Action refusing the application, then the attorney’s fees to respond to that would be between $200 and $2000. 
  4. The application needs to be filed based on having used the mark already for sales or with an intent to do so in the future. A Statement of Use is filed if nothing has been sold using the mark. The government’s fee to file it is $100 for each class of goods. Attorney fees to prepare it is between $250 and $700. 
  5. After your application has matured to registration, you must fill the required maintenance documents. Between the 5th and 6th year of registration, Section 8 declaration has to be filed. 

i.) A Section 8 declaration is a signed statement saying that the trademark is in use in commerce and if not, then it should come with an excuse explaining the reasons. 

ii.) Between the 9th and 10th year after registration, a combined declaration of use/non-use and application for renewal under Sections 8 and 9 should be filed together. The fee for combined filing is $425 per class of goods or services. 

For a detailed account of the trademark fee, you can use this link here

 

How Long Does The Trademark Protection Last?

 

While the terms of trademark registration can differ, the duration is usually ten years. Also, the USPTO requires that between the fifth and sixth year after the date of registration, the trademark owner should file an affidavit stating that the mark is still being used commercially. If the affidavit is not filed, the registration is cancelled. The USPTO will not send any reminders requesting you to send the affidavit. 

Note: The trademark can be renewed indefinitely by paying additional fees. 

 

Patent:

 

One of the most famous patented inventions is the electric lightbulb. Another significant one is the telephone (Transmitter and Receiver for Electric-Telegraphs) which was patented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876. Each of these made the patent owners significantly wealthy. 

 

Credits: Google Patents

 

 

What Is A Patent?

 

Patents protect the innovative ideas of processes. There are two types of patents:

  1. Utility patent – It protects a process, manufacture, composition of matter, and a useful machine. Example: Fully convertible high heel-to-flat shoe

 

 

Utility Patent: Convertible High Heel Shoe: Types of Intellectual Property

 

 

 

  1. Design patent – It protects the shape, appearance, pattern design, layout, and looks of a product. Example: Car or similar article by Warner Bros. (BatMobile)

 

Patent D311882 Bat Mobile - Intellectual Property related costs

 

 

Costs For Filing A Patent in USA:

 

For filing a patent, the costs vary not only based on the country, but also on the complexity of the invention. It could be $1000 if you plan to do most of the filing work or can be upwards of $40,000+ if your invention is complex. 

  1. The basic cost to file a patent application at the USPTO is $300. If you are an individual, and it is $75 and $150, if you are a small entity. 
  2. For professional attorney patent searches, it would cost anywhere between $800 and $3000. Find the best tips to hire a patent attorney here.
  3. Expect to pay anywhere between $3000 and $5000 on average plus the USPTO fees to an attorney to prepare a new patent application. 
  4. The costs for the patent depends on the type of patent you apply for. 
  1. Provisional Patent: $1500 – $3500
  2. Utility Patent: $5000 – $15000
  3. Design Patent: $2000 – $3500
  4. Plant Patent: $4500 – $8000
  5. International Patent- $100000+

Here is the USPTO link where you can find more information about the fees for filing a patent. 

If you want a cheaper route, then you can do all of this by yourself, but you need to be meticulous in terms of recording everything about your invention. You might have to spend hours filing everything correctly. 

Choosing Inventions For Patenting

While every innovation of your invention deserves a patent, it might not be feasible to patent everything as the prices are a bit steep. To effectively manage this decision-making process, discovering the benefits of idea management software can be highly beneficial. Not everyone has huge budgets so corporations may have to pick and choose on what to patent (according to the strategy that they might have). You need to evaluate your ideas before you decide. The company should take the call on which part of your invention to pursue for patenting.

The most important part in this process is to keep a track of all ideas so that nothing is missed. You can use a simple spreadsheet but that tends to get corrupted with time along with having security issues. TriangleIP provides a free tool which helps you in maintaining and tracking your ideas. It provides you with 4 different workflow stages till the filing process – through which you can navigate and track your ideas. 

Maintenance Costs:

 

Patent maintenance fee is paid to the USPTO to keep up a granted patent and is sometimes applicable for pending patent applications. Note: Design and Plant patents do not require maintenance fees. Maintenance fees are to be paid at the fourth, eighth and twelfth year anniversary from the time the patent is granted. To calculate the maintenance fees for your patents, you can use this link from the USPTO website

 

Maintenance Fees of patents - Intellectual Property related costs

 

How Long Does Patent Protection Last?

 

A utility patent is granted for 20 years from the date the patent application is filed. A design patent is protected for 14 years from the date the patent is granted. To enforce the protection of the patent, there are fees involved. 

 

Copyright:

 

Vanilla Ice’s song Ice Ice Baby used parts of music from the song Under Pressure by David Bowie and Queen.

When they faced a lawsuit, Vanilla Ice confessed to sampling the work, and the case was settled out of court for an undeclared sum of money and crediting Bowie/Queen for the track. 

 

What is Copyright?

 

It protects the original work of authorship. It helps the copyright owner to control reproduction, performance, adaptations, and distribution of the work. Examples of such works are- literature, drawings, paintings, songs, music, computer software, films, photos, web content, etc. 

Copyright is generally attached to the work when the original work is available in a fixed medium. It means that the work has been written down on a piece of paper, saved in a storage device, or in some tangible format. 

 

Costs for copyright protection in USA:

 

Filing a copyright application involves a lot of forms and each of them has different fees. Here is a breakdown of the costs involved to copyright your work.

  1. The copyright registration fees for one work by one author costs about $45 if you are filing online. The fee is $125 for paper filing. 
  2. For all the other filings, it will put you back by $65. 
  3. There are special fees for registering an application claim in a group or obtaining additional certificates of registration. 
  4. The USPTO does special services that have a different fee format too. 

 

How Long Does A Copyright Last?

 

The terms of a copyright for a work depends on a variety of factors, including whether it has been published and if yes, then the date of publication. 

  1. Copyright protection lasts for the author’s entire life plus an additional 70 years, for works created after January 1, 1978. 
  2. For anonymous works, or a work made for hire or a pseudonymous work, the copyright is for a period of 95 years from the year of its first publication or 120 years, whichever expires first. 
  3. For works published after 1923, but before 1978 are protected for 95 years from the date of its publication. 
  4. If the work was created but not published before 1978, then the copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. 

 

Renewal:

 

For works that are created after January 1, 1978, the copyright is not subject to renewal registration. 

 

Trade Secret:

 

In 1953, inventors at Rocket Chemical company came up with a formula at the 40th attempt and called it WD-40 – “Water Displacement, 40th Formula”. The company never patented it because trade secret seemed like a better protection and wisely so. And the company managed to keep it a secret for 50+ years. By the fiscal year 2017, gross revenue for the company, including sales of the familiar WD-40 Multi-Use as well as other products, totaled $381 million in annual revenue. It was only in 2009, that “Wired” with advanced processes like gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy managed to find out what’s inside WD-40.

 

WD 40- Tradesecret - Intellectual Property related costs
Credits: Wikipedia

 

What is a Trade Secret?

 

A trade secret is any valuable information that is not publicly known and of which the owner has taken reasonable steps to maintain secrecy. It could be ingredients used in their dishes, business methods, customer data, ideas related to your business, marketing strategy, experimental technology, etc. 

 

Costs To Guard Trade Secrets in USA:

 

Since you don’t have to register with a government body for qualifying your product/business as a trade secret, there are no costs associated with it. Guarding the secret requires security measures, and these might accrue some costs.

As trade secrets costs feel nominal compared to patenting expenses, you might get tempted to opt for trade secrets. This may or may not be a good idea. Thomas Franklin, the founder of Triangle IP has shared great insights in the following video to choose between patents and trade secrets.

 

https://youtu.be/mqA8-OYQPOw

 

How Long Does Trade Secret Protection Last?

 

Indefinite protection to the trade secret as long as the secret is commercially viable. It will continue as long as the secret is not available to the public. Also, unlike patents or copyrights, trade secrets are protected without registration. 

 

How To Protect Your Intellectual Property?

 

We have discussed the major four types of intellectual property and how they can safeguard your business from infringers. It is the onus of the business to protect its assets. Losing one of your assets can result in significant damages to your business. Getting the right advice from professionals will make it easy for you to protect the interests of your business.

For starters, you could write down a list of ideas, discuss them with your lawyer and decide which are the ones that are worth going after. TriangleIP helps companies with a free tool using which ideas can be managed till the filing process.

 

Conclusion:

 

In summary, below is the list of the 4 forms of intellectual property related costs discussed in this article:

IP Form Protects  Life (in yrs)  Prosecution & filing costs Maintenance Cost
Trademark Infringement/Damage of reputation by another company 10 (can be renewed indefinitely) $225-$400 per class of goods/services depending on the type of application  $425 per class of goods/services
Patent It protects the commercial use of the invention without the consent of the patent owner 20 $75-$300 based on the size of your company $1,600 for large entity | $800 for small businesses | $400 for micro businesses
Copyright It protects the original work of an author 70-120 yrs Starts at $45 for e-filing No maintenance fees
Trade Secret It protects information that is crucial to a business, using which the entity has a strong competitive advantage Lasts as long as the trade secret is viable commercially There is no need to register with a government body to guard your trade secret No maintenance fees

 

A report from the Commission on the Theft of American Intellectual Property pegs the loss from IP theft between $225 billion and $600 billion annually. If you fail to protect your intellectual property because of the costs involved, you might end up losing a major chunk of revenue as competitors might copy it. You will lose your competitive advantage too when others claim to provide the same features that you do. 

It is normal to feel overwhelmed with the rigmarole of the lengthy procedures involved in filing applications for each intellectual property, which is exactly why you should delegate it to the experts, depending on the situation.

 

 

Note: The preceding is general business advice and not to be construed as legal advice. IP laws vary by country and retaining licensed legal counsel is advised to confirm this information. Any expressed or implied opinions are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Triangle IP or any other entity who might be associated with the presenter. We hope this content is helpful to you, but should not be relied upon without confirming the advice and accuracy with local legal counsel. Any comments or inquiries are not confidential so please discuss your issues directly with counsel.

User Privacy: Can Blockchain really shift the control back to users?

Can blockchain shift control back to users

With every browsing session and every online purchase, you are leaving footprints and creating ample amounts of data. Indeed, your personal information is now mostly available in the public domain. Many businesses rely on collecting, organizing, and profitably using this data. 

In particular, personal data is information that relates to an identifiable living individual. It can include names, email IDs, ID card numbers, logging information, information on financial transactions, physical and IP addresses, and the like.

Does it carry any value? Well, according to the Smithers Pira report, the market for personal ID credential stands at $8.7 billion. And it is forecasted to hit $9.7 billion by 2021.

Blockchain Market Growth

Facebook, Amazon, Twitter, LinkedIn, and many other companies have access to a large scale of our personal data that they sell to advertisers. Even though they claim to have stringent data privacy practices, these companies are responsible for recurring personal data breaches.

A Cybersecurity Ventures Report predicts that cybercrime damages will cost the world $6 trillion annually by 2021. Indeed, there’s a running joke that Facebook knows you better than you know yourself.

Can blockchain help us to wade through these data breaches that have become commonplace? Is it possible for the user to get back control of their data?

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin show some promise. You can use them to solve the issues of trust and transparency. For over a decade, they have worked in hostile environments to hold details of coins of over a million users. 

In the article, you will get to explore the distributed ledger technology of Blockchain. First, let’s look at how privacy concerns forced the EU to enforce new privacy rules that all businesses had to oblige.

GDPR and User Privacy

The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) went into effect on May 25, 2018. It applies to companies that provide goods or services to businesses or customers in the EU. And it reflects a paradigm shift in the relationship users have with their personal data. 

The regulation calls for providing substantial rights to the users in their interaction with data controllers and data processors (majorly tech companies). Here’s an overview of the critical changes that compliance with the regulation is expected to bring.

Changes with GDPR

As you can see, GDPR calls for: 

  • An explicit and informed consent from the user before a company can collect their personal data.
  • Giving the right to the individuals to have their data deleted (under certain conditions).
  • Strengthening the reporting obligations and enforcement: Data breaches must be reported within 72 hours.
  • A failure to comply could result in a fine of up to 4% of annual global turnover (or €20 million).

Such regulations are an economic deterrent for companies that indulge in violating user data privacy. Stricter implementation will make the breaches a lot more costly. 

However, with the world moving towards a decentralized power structure are regulations the way forward? We’ll come back to the question after looking at how the underlying blockchain technology works.

Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Overview

The main problem with the public internet framework is the incompatibility between the architecture of the internet and the data privacy requirements. Each time a data set passes through a third-party entity, a copy is withheld in a centralized database, and it becomes prone to hacks.

The internet generates 2.5 quintillion bytes of data each day. Further, 90% of the data in the world was created in the last two years alone. At such a huge scale, a new approach that could solve user privacy concerns is distributed ledger technology (DLT).

Distributed Ledger Technology

Specifically, blockchains are decentralized DLT, and their information is stored not in a single, centralized database. Instead, it’s stored in a potentially infinite number of databases called blocks. They store immutable records distributed among different users that have their private encrypted keys. 

Here’s a look at how blockchain works to facilitate an online transaction.

Working of Blockchain

Next, let’s explore how blockchain can come in handy to help us secure our personal data.

How DLT can safeguard our personal data (and a look at MIT Enigma Project and Bitclave…)

Right now, you submit our data to different platforms that you interact with online. DLT could chip in to store it in decentralized ledger/blocks. Thereby, the data becomes free from a single point of access and failure. 

A major challenge with blockchain that remains is that your data is shared “everywhere.” How does it even address our issue of “privacy” of our crucial information? Further, computing on blockchain becomes slow at a large scale. 

Issues with Blockchain

To solve the above two major issues:

Enter researchers from MIT with their enigma project. Their protocol achieves “sharing of secrets without revealing any information to outsiders or the individuals involved.”

Assuming that we successfully solve the challenges with blockchain, the existing ecosystem between the users and companies might transform. Let me explain:

Currently, Facebook, Google, and Amazon harvest tons of user data, while providing minimum value to the user. In an ideal scenario, the user should be able to choose if they want to sell their data. Also, they reserve the rights and restrictions on how it’s leveraged.

If we connect the blocks to the existing payment systems and platforms, a user can cherish more control over the information they want to share. Combine DLT with security features like biometric authentication on smartphones to have an additional layer of security and bid goodbye to passwords.

If blockchain overtakes the current opaque system, the blockchain-based decentralized marketplace, Bitclave, gives a glimpse of how things will change.

  • As the BAT ad system becomes available, you can expect the users to receive 70% of the revenue.
BAT System
  • Bitclave will also reward the users for watching ads and give you full control over your personal data.

If the prospects are so exciting, then why hasn’t blockchain been implemented?

Final Thoughts (including challenges with implementing blockchain)

A study by the Stanford Graduate School of Business shows that DLT technology broadly has the following four benefits:

  • Transparency,
  • Immutability,
  • Lower costs,
  • Digital identity.

However, here are the major challenges in its implementation.

Dismantling power structures

The existing centralized entities (including governments, big banks, and financial institutions) are reluctant to give up control. They are risk-averse and “slow” to accept something as innovative as DLT. It could potentially destroy their economic influence.

For blockchain technology to work alongside these stakeholders, the global development community needs to understand how it works. And open-mindedly consider how its use cases and how it adds value to their work.

Value Add of Blockchain

User acceptance

Google and Facebook have considerably altered consumer behavior. Currently, users are happy to give up their data in exchange for free services. They are not even aware of the value they are creating for companies and how their digital lives are at stake.

However, despite the challenges, there’s been some progress:

Estonia has gradually moved its citizen data onto a distributed ledger system. Even Singapore is considering moving towards a Blockchain system to allow citizens to interact seamlessly with government services.

The state of Illinois has also launched a pilot of its blockchain-based registry/ID system.

Illlinois Blockchain Initiative

Blockchain looks promising to solve consumer issues of privacy and give them some control. If it’s accepted and adopted by larger entities, then we could see the cash shift back from corporates and get distributed among the users.

Note: The preceding is general business advice and not to be construed as legal advice. IP laws vary by country and retaining licensed legal counsel is advised to confirm this information. Any expressed or implied opinions are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Triangle IP or any other entity who might be associated with the presenter. We hope this content is helpful to you, but should not be relied upon without confirming the advice and accuracy with local legal counsel. Any comments or inquiries are not confidential so please discuss your issues directly with counsel.

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Answers To 25 Most Searched Patent Related Questions

25-MOST-SEARCHED-PATENT-RELATED-QUESTIONS-1

Every enterprise needs to explain basic terminology and commonly asked questions.  You would be surprised how the most basic questions are never asked.

To get the most engagement with a patent program, training and socialization are key.  Many companies have made patent training part of orientation for their new technical staff.  Periodic refresher courses are also offered. Typically, your patent counsel will offer this training for little or no cost.

This FAQ has a compilation of queries that bubbled up from several large companies from their employees. 

What is a Patent?

A patent is a grant by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office of the right to stop others from making, using or selling an invention in the United States for a limited period of time.  Let’s explore this in detail:

  • A patent is a “grant”, therefore you do not have it until the government awards it to you (in other words, you have no right to enforce a patent against anyone else until the patent has been issued).
  • A patent provides the right to stop others, and not necessarily the right to do anything yourself.  Someone else may have a patent that prevents you from doing anything with your own invention, even though your invention is patentable.
  • A patent gives the right to stop others from making, using or selling.  For example, if someone who was infringing on a patent were to make the invention in a foreign country, he or she could not sell it in the United States. 
    In the same way, it is still considered to be an infringement if the invention is made in the United States but exported immediately, or if a person buys the invention overseas and uses it in the United States for their own use.  There is no “personal use” exception for patent infringement.
  • Patents can only be awarded for inventions.
  • Patents are awarded by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. For that reason, a patent can only be enforced within the United States.
  • A patent has an expiration date.  Once a patent has expired, the invention may be freely used by anyone, as long as no other patent would prevent it. 

What All can be Patented?

Anything under the sun that is human created—any new idea that has not otherwise been disclosed or otherwise published more than a year ago.  There are different kinds of patents, although only the first two will likely be of interest:

  • Provisional Patent — Precursor to a utility patent that serves as a one-year placeholder to quickly secure a filing date while preparing a formal utility patent.
  • Utility Patents — Cover science and technology, such as:
    • Methods or processes, such as software or other functionality
    • Apparatuses and systems (e.g., cell phones, computer systems, point of sale devices, etc.)
    • Chemical compounds and engineered biologicals and their methods of use
    • Improvements or updates to any of the above
  • Design Patents — Cover the ornamental features of useful objects, but not the functionality (e.g., the ridge pattern of a golf club grip, shape of a cell phone).
  • Plant Patents — Cover certain types of plants that are genetically the same.

What cannot be Patented?

  • Mental processes or human performed actions (e.g., medical procedures).
  • Mathematical formulas and algorithms in the abstract, but once applied to a given situation they are candidates for patent protection.
  • Hopes, dreams, aspirations or other abstract ideas unless a technological or scientific solution to achieve them is devised with some specificity.
  • Basic ‘methods of organizing human activity,’ such as fundamental economic practices like market hedging and escrow transactions.
  • Naturally occurring things that have not been invented, but rather found (e.g., genes, minerals) unless you are protecting a refined version or how it is used to solve some problem (e.g., proteins used to cure a specified disease, use of carbon in the form of graphene for a space application).
  • Scientific principles or laws of nature (e.g., gravity, conservation of energy, Pythagorean theorem) unless applied to a specific problem.
  • Inventions that only serve the purpose of making atomic weapons, human-performed healthcare, tax shelters, and a few others.
  •  

What Qualities must Something Possess in Order to be Worthy of a Patent?

Generally, any innovation created by humankind and implemented with technology is patentable.  This presumption may be tempered by a discussion with patent counsel, but don’t discount incremental or slight improvements until you have legal guidance.  There are three general requirements for patentability:

  • Novel” means the invention has never been disclosed, released or published by another prior to you inventing it.  Once your innovation is known to others, you only have one year to apply for a patent, but may have lost your overseas rights.  Your own actions in the year prior to your application for patent.
  • Non-obvious” is a legal test not to be confused with the dictionary definition of that term.  It does not mean self-evident as most might presume. Most innovation is fairly derivative, but if your novelty has advantages over prior solutions you are well on your way to overcoming this hurdle.
  • Utility” means that the innovation you invented does something over what is naturally occurring.  It cannot be too abstract an innovation and built with technology. 

Should We Patent Every Innovation?

The pursuit of every patentable innovation would bankrupt most enterprises.  Devising a strategy and trying to accomplish that within a budget will often dictate decisions. 

A process for selecting the best innovation most crucial to protecting our investments in new products and services is the goal.  Legal or members of any patent committee can often provide guidance.

Also Read: 10 Types of Innovation to Drive Growth at Your Company

What will it Cost to Obtain a Patent?

Depending on the complexity of the invention, technology area and amount of argument, the entire process of obtaining a patent can cost between $20,000 and $50,000 in most cases over several years. 

The cost is split between drafting, argument and government fees, some of which occur after issuance in the form of annuities or patent taxes. 

Also Read: 6 Things to Know Before Hiring a Patent Attorney

What Steps are Typical in the Process of Prosecuting a Patent Application?

Identification

The inventor completes an Invention Disclosure Form or some other form of written disclosure (such as a white paper) which provides a description of the invention and other important information. 

Sometimes a patent mining session is helpful to brainstorm possible patent ideas and can be facilitated by patent counsel.

Vetting

There is no requirement to search ourselves as the patent office conducts a thorough search.  Public databases (e.g., Google Patents) allow quick review of what might already be filed, but search vendors can often do a far more effective search.  There are different strategies for searching or not that patent counsel can walkthrough.

Approval

Some enterprises formalize approval with a patent committee that looks at the merit of an idea with respect to strategic vision.  It need not be that formal so long as both the technical and strategic considerations are represented as ideas are selected for patent protection.

Drafting

Patent counsel interviews the inventors to develop a broad understanding of the idea, related technology and how it might evolve.  A draft provisional or non-provisional is produced within one to three months typically.

Also Read: 3 Ingredients for High Quality Patent Applications

Filing

Once the draft is approved by the inventors, it is filed with the patent office for an examination.  Feedback general comes in 6-24 months depending on whether the filing was fast-tracked.

Argument

Only a very small percentage of cases are approved without push back from the patent office.  The argument phase can be as short as 6 months or go on for years. Two-four rounds of argument are typical before allowance.

Maintenance

Issued utility patents expire no matter what 20 years from their earliest priority date. They expire sooner unless escalating government fees are paid at 3.5, 7.5 and 11.5 years into their term. 

If I submit an idea related to my job, and it is not approved, can I pursue it on my own?

No, ideas are created as part of your job duties the pursuit or not of patents are within the sole discretion of your employer. That your idea is not approved doesn’t mean that it will never be. A good patent program has an excess of innovation that is strategically pursued so long as budget permits. 

Should you have an idea completely unrelated to your job duties and not developed using company resources may be treated differently so long as any moonlighting policy is complied with.  Legal can review and approve such pursuits and provide written approval. 

How can I tell if my Team’s Invention is Patentable?

Inventors can conduct a novelty search to determine whether any previous patents exist similar to a particular invention. 

It is recommended to use http://patents.Google.com to search patents and literature to at least get a flavor of what others have done in your space that is similar to your innovation.  Other paid tools are available for searching as are third party search firms. 

Who is an Inventor?

The US patent office requires identification of the inventors with full legal name (including any middle initial), address to receive correspondence and city and state of residency.

There are typically 1-5 inventors listed on a patent, but the legal standard on who to include is tricky. On a provisional patent, it is anyone who contributed to the innovation disclosed. Where there are claims, an inventor is anyone who contributed to the conception of one or more of the claims.

Notably, implementers are not necessarily inventors and the same goes for with managers and mentors, etc.  Deception about inventorship can invalidate the patent along with the other members of the patent family so don’t play games with attribution and stick to the legal standard.

Once Patented, Can I Sell or License My Invention?

No, those hired or contracted to invent cede ownership of their innovation to their employer. 

Further, employment/consulting agreements further clarify enterprise ownership of the ideas you develop within the scope of your duties.  Confirmatory assignments are provided throughout the patent process to memorialize this as required by the patent office and foreign patent offices.

If you think your patent would be of interest to others for sale or license, please consult with legal who might pursue such avenues in consult with your management.

Also Read: How to seek investments using patents?

How Long is a Utility Patent Enforceable?

A utility patent is valid from the issuance by the patent office and ends 20 years after the date of filing of the earliest non-provisional application upon which the patent is based. 

There is a patent term extension that will extend that window if the process at the patent office was backlogged through no fault of your own. Plant and design patents have different terms. 

Can a Patent be Extended or Renewed to get a Longer Term?

Not unless patent term extension was recognized by the patent office at the beginning of the patent term or sometimes for delays while pursuing FDA approval. 

Once a patent expires, the claimed invention and anything described is permanently dedicated to the public domain. 

Can we still Obtain a Patent even if My Invention was Released in Our Product or Otherwise Known to Outsiders?

Domestically, you must apply for a patent within one year of the first publication, but most foreign countries bar patent rights any time after publication. 

Would a Knock-off Competitor be Able to Make Minor Changes to Avoid My Patent?

The patent laws contemplate someone designing around your patent claims, but deciding how well that was done is complex.  When determining the scope of your patent, the claims are what defines your right to exclude others.

Patent counsel can assist with interpreting the applicability of claims to the competitor. 

Can’t I Simply Insert a Description of My Invention in a Sealed Envelope and Mail it to Myself, for Protection?

No. Patent protection requires a filing with the patent office as only the government can provide those rights. 

Additionally, it is a race to the patent office as the first filer will almost certainly get the enforceable patent

Does Our Patent Protect Me Worldwide?

No. Rights are given country-by-country with some regional filings possible (e.g., Europe, Africa, Russia) to ease certain parts of the process.  There are treaties that ease your process for obtaining rights in multiple jurisdictions (e.g., Paris Convention & Patent Cooperation Treaty).

It gets expensive very quickly with each jurisdiction costing $25-75K for that geographic protection.  Patent counsel has strategies for maximizing coverage while minimizing expenses.

Also, not all jurisdictions are equal when it comes to enforceability so some are not very good at excluding the competition.

Also Read: Foreign Patent Filing: 5 Strategies to Develop an International Patent Portfolio

Can We Obtain a Patent on My Invention without Disclosing the Important Aspects of My Invention?

Generally no.  The government grants a limited monopoly for your patent claims in exchange for full disclosure.  There are strategies for keeping some ideas out of a patent that your counsel can help with. 

Not being a U.S. citizen and/or Resident, Can I Still Obtain a U.S. Patent?

Yes.  You can get a U.S. patent, but some countries require permission to file overseas first. Patent counsel can research the specifics and devise a filing strategy. 

Should We File a Provisional Application?

A provisional patent simply lets you secure a filing date without going through all the steps required for a utility patent application.  With the limited formality required, provisional patents are often the only thing possible given a certain time crunch.  For example, a paper describing a product may be going public tomorrow, and that paper might be quickly filed as a provisional patent.  Since a provisional patent is never examined or confers any rights, a regular utility patent application is required within a year anyway. 

Should I File a Patent with the Patent Office on My Own?

No.  Please coordinate with legal who handles this on a regular basis and has a relationship with counsel. 

When do I say “Patent Pending” or “Patented?”

“Patent pending” for a product simply means that you have a patent application on file at the U.S. Patent Office. 

You can mark your product “Patent Pending” only if you have filed a patent application that would cover part of the marked product, and the application has not been abandoned or withdrawn. 

“Patented” means that the patent is issued and not expired. Listing the patent numbers covering the product somewhere on the box, enclosed materials, on the product itself, or virtually on the web site is recommended.

How do I read a Patent and Understand the Scope?

The claims define the scope of the right while the remainder of the patent application provides context, clarification and additional detail.  A patent claim is simply a statement, but it can be very difficult to read so reach out to counsel to help.

What are Annuities/Maintenance Fees/Patent Taxes?

Patent offices around the world have schemes to encourage pruning of patents by charging fees even after issuance.

Consider abandoning your patent when those fees come due to give your non-strategic ideas to the public domain.  These government fees are a great funding source paid by those with the more important patents. For larger and/or international patent portfolios, most will use an annuity service to pay these fees in a process similar to what you might have done with your favorite domain registrar who tacks on a service fee to each renewal.

If you only have US patents, payment at the USPTO.gov site is fairly straightforward so you might avoid service, but be sure to not miss the deadlines of 3.5, 7.5 and 11.5 years from the issuance of your utility application.

Also Read: Types of Intellectual Property and Related Costs

What is a Patent Troll?

The pejorative term describes an entity that does not currently produce anything, yet owns and asserts patents against others. 

Sometimes called a non-practicing entity (NPE), the only purpose of these companies is to pursue license revenue while threatening suit. 

Commonly, the settlement amounts are very low to avoid having any defendant truly challenge a patent. Targets are faced with the prospect of fighting assertion at great legal expense or quickly disposing of the suit.

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Note: The preceding is general business advice and not to be construed as legal advice. IP laws vary by country and retaining licensed legal counsel is advised to confirm this information. Any expressed or implied opinions are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Triangle IP or any other entity who might be associated with the presenter. We hope this content is helpful to you, but should not be relied upon without confirming the advice and accuracy with local legal counsel. Any comments or inquiries are not confidential so please discuss your issues directly with counsel.

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