How to Invent and Protect Your Invention: A Guide to Patents for Scientists and Engineers

GLOSSARY

The words below are not meant to be complete definitions, but are intended to help readers understand some of the terms used in this book.

Abandonment Giving up patent rights voluntarily by not completing the examination process or not paying maintenance fees. Accelerated examination An inventor can request expedited review of his patent application if the inventor is 65 years or older or if the invention is an advancement in the treatment of cancer or AIDS. Advisory action Communication by which a patent examiner rejects amended claims that were filed in response to a final office action. An advisory action means that the inventor's amended claims will not be allowed and a patent will not issue. Aggregate A new device or process that combines elements of previously known devices or processes in a manner that is obvious. Contrast this with composites—new devices or processes that combine previously known devices or processes in an unobvious manner and thus are entitled to patent protection. Agreement of Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPS) An international agreement, among members of the World Trade Organization, that sets minimum standards for regulating intellectual property. Amendment In patent parlance, a change to the wording or content of a patent application's claims to overcome a rejection or objection made by a patent examiner. The term amendment can also refer to other types of change, including a change made to the language of the U.S. Constitution. ...