PATENT BASICS
This seminar tries to give a general introduction to patents. It is intended to provide a somewhat broader but still basic understanding of patent rights and strategies. The goal is to provide the lay person and the non-IP practitioner with the ability to identify opportunities and dangers in developing a patent portfolio. Seminar level BASIC.

Topics include:

I. What is a patent.

II. Types of patents: utility, design and plant patents.

III. Patent searches.
  • A. Why do a search.
  • B. Novelty or patentability searches.
  • C. Clearance Searches.
  • D. Invalidity/prior art searches.

IV. Patent Application Process.
  • A. Requirements for application.
  • B. Provisional application.
  • C. Parts of an application.
  • D. Timing considerations.
  • E. Trade Secrets vs. Patent Protection.
  • F. Fees and Costs.

 
V. Patent Cooperation Treaty / Protection Abroad.
  • A. Selection of countries.
  • B. Fees and costs.
  • C. Non-treaty countries.

VI. Patent Term and Maintenance.

VII. Infringement and Remedies.
  • A. Reexamination.
  • B. Reissue.

VIII. Licensing Considerations.

IX. Selling Patent Rights.

X. Building a Patent Portfolio.



ET Law Espinosa Trueba