Category: Miscellaneous

The University of Southern California (USC) Gould School of Law has created an infographic that provides some highlights in the history of patent law, starting at around 500 B.C. and including the first ever recorded document that granted rights to an individual and the establishment of the U.S. patent act in 1790.  Additional information regarding the…

The authors and contributors of Patent Docs wish their readers and families a Happy Thanksgiving.  Publication of Patent Docs will resume on November 28th.

Patent Docs Makes List for Third Year in a Row The ABA Journal, the American Bar Association's flagship magazine, has announced its annual list of the 100 best legal blogs — or blawgs — following a nomination process that began over the summer (see "ABA Journal Accepting Nominations for 8th Annual Blawg 100").  The 100…

By Kevin E. Noonan — The Constitution gives Congress the power to grant copyright and patent protection in the same part of Article I, specifically in Section 8, Clause 8: To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings…

Naturally abundant, stable isotopes have already protected the identity and origin of $1.5 billion in pharmaceutical materials against Intellectual property infringers By Anthony D. Sabatelli* — The pharmaceutical industry is an important segment of the world economy.  In 2013, worldwide sales of prescription drugs were over $830 billion.  If one adds in over-the-counter medicines and…

The ABA Journal has begun work on its 8th annual list of the 100 best legal blogs (or blawgs) and has announced that it is seeking the advice of its readers, via the ABAJournal.com website, on which blogs to include on this year's Blawg 100.  For the past two years, Patent Docs has been honored…

By Michael Borella — On June 12, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the company "will not initiate patent lawsuits against anyone who, in good faith, wants to use our technology."  This move was hailed by some as a win for those who support reform of an allegedly broken patent system. But the truth is…

By Gautham Bodepudi* — There are those very vocal about proposing legislative amendments to the patent statutes, in an attempt to curb litigation abuse and thereby promote innovation. The latest round of proposed amendments would allow the government to create a class protected from corporate veil piercing — holding investors and those outside of a…

By Andrew Williams — It may come as no surprise, but on Tuesday, January 28, 2014, President Obama highlighted innovation and the patent system during his State of the Union address: We know that the nation that goes all-in on innovation today will own the global economy tomorrow.  This is an edge America cannot surrender. …