Category Archives: patents

public input to the patent system

January 11, 2006 – 7:58 pm

The US patent office is making some very positive moves to raising the quality of their game. Many, including Geeklawyer, regularly mock them for the sheer quantity of rubbish patents they issue. They are now seeking better systems of input by allowing the public to give targeted input on pending patent applications and prior art. […]

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so what *do* you want to do with that patent?

December 16, 2005 – 9:55 pm

My God this is patenting feeding frenzy advice to CEO’s is well made.

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USPTO a legal sweatshop?

October 26, 2005 – 10:33 pm

ipupdate blawgs about the US Patent Office Professionals Association calling the USPTO a sweatshop. Apparently they fire a much greater number of employees than any other federal office and the moral is lower than in Hitler’s bunker. Apparently in a four year period 65% of new employees drop out due to the pressures and dissatisfaction […]

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Tell me again - patents help the little guy, right?

October 12, 2005 – 11:56 am

twoseventyone report that in Germany carmakers are strong-arming their small and medium sized suppliers into surrendering their IP (including patents) in order to win contracts.

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Refilling Lexmark cartridges now unlawful?

September 5, 2005 – 4:01 pm

‘Force Against Something’ alerts Geeklawyer that Lexmark are at it again, but with more success this time around. You may recall they sued Static Control Corporation unsuccessfully (pdf), using the DMCA, for providing an alternative cartridge market. Lexmark has substantial motive in crushing competition. Inkjet printers are sold on the ‘razor blade’ method […]

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EPO launches software patent site

August 25, 2005 – 4:15 pm

NakedLaw reports that the European Patent Office has set up a micro-site to outline the law and procedure on software patents, as well as possible reforms to the relevant law.

Will they disclose the lobbying they are subject to? and who they are having backroom discussions with? Go on, be bold: guess.
Worth keeping a close eye […]

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