Patent Applications Limited to Human Inventors, not SkyNet

Inventions by Computers Computers are now capable of helping with many of our daily and routine tasks. Computers are also being used to solve some of our most difficult and complex problems. In some cases this is done without human interaction as part of an artificial intelligence system. Recently, the USPTO said these computers are Read more about Patent Applications Limited to Human Inventors, not SkyNet[…]

How Much does a Patent Cost

Cost of a Patent One of the first questions from inventors is how much does a patent cost.  The answer, unfortunately varies.  You can file your own patent for as little as a few hundred dollars.  However, because of the complexity and potential value most people prefer to have a patent attorney file a patent Read more about How Much does a Patent Cost[…]

Potato Dispute over Plant Patent in India

Plant Patent Protection Pepsi has sued four farmers in India for growing potatoes which are protected in India under the Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers Right Act (PPV).  The PPV was enacted in 2001 and was supposed to be pro farmer.  Under the PPV, registration of a plant variety provides exclusivity to produce, sell, Read more about Potato Dispute over Plant Patent in India[…]

Racing to file a Patent Application for Blockchains

Race to File a Patent Application Why would an inventor file a patent application covering a blockchain? Recently, many American and Chinese inventors have filed for patent applications covering blockchain technologies. IBM recently was awarded a blockchain patent (US Pat. No. 10,091,228) for detecting network security breaches. Currently, IBM has 89 blockchain patents, while Alibaba Read more about Racing to file a Patent Application for Blockchains[…]

What is a Patent?

What is a Patent?  Patents are basically ownership of a tool, product, or process and once ownership of a patent is obtained, anyone hoping to use the patent must pay the owner money which is typically provided under license.  This payment is sometimes referred to as a royalty. Ownership of a patent is like owning property and Read more about What is a Patent?[…]