Patent Strategy for Researchers and Research Managers, 3rd Edition

Preface to the Second Edition

Since the first publication of this book, the world of intellectual property has taken center stage around the world as countries realize the value of having consistent and enforceable patent systems and as companies and inventors attempt to obtain patents globally which are vital to their business. There have been changes throughout the spectrum of the intellectual property world. The harmonization of patent laws and practices has continued. Countries have had to deal with patent issues concerning such things as software and biotechnology, two fields where much was previously unpatentable. The internet has made the acquisition of technology and copies of patent publications a simple matter; both are available to the most remote and independent type of inventor. Much has been written on maximizing the return from the patents a company owns. Emphasis has been placed on making sure one audits the patents they have, licensing any patents which can provide additional revenue, and finally making sure that one obtains some type of patent protection on their business methods which utilize computers.

Regardless of the technology, all potential inventors need a good foundation of understanding of the patenting system, and this is what this book attempts to provide. This book is not meant to be an advanced text of all the possible strategies available to an inventor or a company. It remains a basic guide for the inventor; a source of information to read and ...