Patent Bar Exam Gets a Facelift

With many new legislative changes reshaping USPTO policy, it is no surprise that the Examination for Registration to Practice in Patent Cases will be further updated in January 2014 to include the First-Inventor-to-File Final Rules.  Other policy changes will also be included in the new exam content.  Preparing students to sit for the patent bar is one of the focuses of the GW Master of Patent Practice Program.  Check back for further updates on our blog, and visit the USPTO's website at the link below to review some of the agency's new content.

http://www.uspto.gov/ip/boards/oed/exam/

The Road to the USPTO: Paved With Good Intentions or Bad Inventions?

As with anything, some inventions swim, and some inventions sink.  They say some roads are paved with "good intentions" and in the patent world, some are littered with "bad inventions."  It remains unknown as to whether the former somehow leads to the latter.  Securing a patent for your invention will have no bearing on whether consumers will line up to purchase your latest and greatest creation, but, arguably, if it satisfies the tests of usefulness, novelty and non-obviousness, it is likely something that has some level of consumer demand.  Check out the following article from Popular Mechanics on 10 patents, that may in fact complicate the average consumer's life, despite their arguable benefits to society.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/engineering/10-patents-that-make-simple-tasks-crazy-complicated#slide-1

Patent Trolls Beware

This week, House Judiciary Chair Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) announced that he intends to introduce a bill as early as next week that will address patent troll abuses.  On the Senate side, Senate Judiciary Chair Pat Leahy (D-VT) believes that his companion bill will be ready after recess.  The efforts of both members will combine numerous bills that have been introduced by lawmakers on this issue by both parties.  This news, combined with President Obama's commitment to addressing the patent troll issue, could force the offending trolls to halt their behavior in the near term.  For more information on the Coalition for Patent Fairness' efforts in this area, please visit the link below.

http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/50-groups-coalesce-fight-patent-trolls-151214

WIPO Patent Meeting in Geneva

On September 19, 2013, The World Intellectual Property Organization will host an event entitled: Access to Intellectual Property for Innovation: Evidence on Problems and Coping Strategies from German Firms.  There are several related documents on WIPO's website ready for review, including a paper by Professor Mueller from the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.  Please click on the link below for a copy of her paper, and check in on the WIPO website for updates.

http://www.wipo.int/edocs/mdocs/mdocs/en/wipo_ip_econ_ge_4_13/wipo_ip_econ_ge_4_13_www_243943.pdf

JOB POSTING: Patent Search Analyst

Cardinal Intellectual Property, an Intellectual Property Search and Services company, is seeking a Patent Search Analyst. Analysts are responsible for conducting patentability, infringement, validity, freedom to operate, clearance, and landscape searches for our private clients, as well as performing search work through our government contract and rendering opinions* based on the search results. This role is free to work from a remote home office. Compensation is variable, based on production, providing the search professionals the ability to earn increased compensation with increased effort and/or efficiency.

*Please note: these opinions are not legal opinions. Cardinal IP is a legal services company, not a law firm.

Position Specifications:
• In the following technical areas a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required: Computer and Information Sciences; Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, or Biomedical Engineering; Life Sciences; Physical Sciences
• In the areas of Biotechnology and/or Chemistry a minimum of a Masters Degree is required (PhD and/or JD preferred)
• Current high need areas are in the Mechanical, Biomedical, Electrical, and Computer arts.
• JD is a plus, but not required
• Prior art searching experience is a major plus
• Proficiency in database searching
• Excellent attention to details, analytical and critical thinking, proof-reading abilities, interpersonal communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively alone

Cardinal Intellectual Property is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Contact:
Apply online by visiting this link: http://www.cardinal-ip.com/careers/careers.html. Cardinal Intellectual Property, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Preparing Patent Policy for the Internet of Things

You may have seen Cisco's commercial for "The Internet of Everything" and wondered just exactly what they are referencing.  The rapid innovation of machine to machine technologies has opened doors to new markets and business models, paving the way for efficiencies and improvements in our daily lives.  As the market adjusts accordingly to house the new inventions that will fall under the umbrella of what many call "The Internet of Things"(IOT) technologists and policymakers will also need to consider how we handle standards, and how the patent system accommodates these new inventions.  In Europe, some are advocating for "standards essential patents" to help protect innovators paths to the market and to also encourage increased R&D investment.  The 2013 Consumer Electronic Show (CES) shone a bright spotlight on IOT technologies, but the products that are hitting the market today are only the beginning.  As policymakers consider how to reduce the rate of patent infringement and large license agreements, they may lean toward the creation of new standards, in order to define certain technologies as "standards essential."  As such, these technologies would arguably become available to the general public on the same fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms (FRAND).  This pooling together of technologies would in turn, arguably, foster enhanced interoperability among a broad base of manufacturers, and increase consumer take-up of new technologies.  As IOT technologies are rolled out, it will be interesting to keep a close eye on the activity in the patent field.

Progress on USPTO Satellite Offices

In 2012, the USPTO identified Dallas, Denver, and Silicon Valley as areas where patent satellite offices should be opened.  The Detroit satellite office just celebrated its one year anniversary earlier this month.  The USPTO is currently operating out of temporary offices, with the hopes of moving their operations into permanent offices.  The three new locations are staffed by Patent Trial and Appeal Board judges, who are helping to reduce the inventory of appeals cases and AIA trials.  This expansion of the USPTO's presence will greatly help in educating the public on new changes to patent law, support independent inventors on the west coast, and allow the agency to more actively engage with the public.  For more information on this project, please visit:

http://www.uspto.gov/blog/

GWU Commencement 2013

The George Washington University had a fabulous commencement this year-- check out the video below!
http://commencement.gwu.edu/

Best Practices in IP Conference Spotlights Monetization of Patents

On May 29, 2013, The Best Practices in IP 2013: International Perspectives on Creating and Extracting Value Conference in Tel Aviv featured a special Keynote focused on monetization.  The first panel kicked off with the question "Why monetize patents?"  According to the panel, since 2000 the trend towards monetization has grown, particularly exemplified in the field of telecommunications and technology.  Jonathan Taub of the Acacia Research Group engaged the audience with an insightful discussion about how to monetize patents; whether to license them, or to sell them.  Companies are increasingly following alternative paths towards monetization, and this recent panel added interesting food for thought in the ongoing debate over patent trolls.

USPTO Celebrates Memorial Day

On May 23, The Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for IP and Acting USPTO Director Teresa Stanek Rea spoke at an Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony.  In her comments, Rea recalled how the original USPTO building, which stood in Washington, DC, had ties to our nation's military history.  She explained that this USPTO site once served as a hospital for Union soliders during the Civil War.  In addition, during WWII, most of the USPTO's offices were relocated to a tobacco farm in Richmond, VA, to make more room for the ongoing war efforts.  To view Rea's entire speech, please visit: http://www.uspto.gov/news/speeches/2013/rea_memorialday.jsp

Congress Continues to Focus on Patents

On the heels of the sweeping patent reforms instituted by the America Invents Act of 2011, there are several other pieces of legislation that would fill in some of the blanks omitted by the AIA.  In particular, these new proposals offer fixes for federal patent litigation rules.  This week, Senator Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the "Patent Abuse Reduction Act of 2013" (S. 1013),  which aims to reduce unnecessary and "abusive" patent litigation.  The bill would require plaintiffs to disclose their identities and the substance of their claim upon filing suit, heighten pleading requirements and limit discovery until after claim construction is completed.  In addition to the Patent Abuse Reduction Act, Congress is also considering the "Saving High-tech Innovators from Egregious Legal Disputes" (SHIELD) Act (H.R. 6245), introduced by Congressman de Fazio (D-OR), which would introduce a one-way fee shifting system that would require losing plaintiffs to cover the attorney fees incurred by successful defendants.  It will be interesting to analyze how these proposals move forward as Congress considers other key legislative packages throughout the year, and the battle to combat the growing patent troll problem wages on.

IP Analyst (Part-Time) West Hollywood, California

 

CuriousMinds.com is seeking an Intellectual Property Analyst who will work part-time (10-25 hours per/week)  with both the Engineering & Business Development teams (and then outside counsel)  on new patent application filings for mobile technologies.

Job Responsibilities:
• Draft invention descriptions and and work with outside counsel to complete provisional, non-provisional, continuation, continuation-in-part, and divisional patent applications with the USPTO.
• Translate innovative product specifications to invention descriptions, complete with necessary figures and diagrams.
• Work with the product and engineering team on specifications and design of new products.
• Assist in the ongoing prosecution of patent applications often in conjunction with outside counsel.
• Evaluate company innovations and product development for patentability and financial worth.

Job Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and project management skills
• Strong ability to prioritize and multi-task in a fast paced environment
• Proficient in PowerPoint, Word, and Vizio (or similar program)
• Attributes: Self-motivated, positive, problem solver, team player, accountable, reliable, consistent, strong work ethic, focused, and organized
• Engineering background a big plus
• Registered Patent Agent a big plus Contact:
Apply by emailing us at: jobs@curiousminds.com.
Additional Info:
Employer Type: Small Corporation
Job Location: West Hollywood, Calif.

Susan Mann Joins GWMPP Advisory Board

We are honored to announce that Susan O. Mann, Senior Director of Intellectual Property Policy for Microsoft Corporation, has joined the Board of Advisors for GW's Master of Patent Practice Program. 

Prior to joining Microsoft, Ms. Mann worked for nine years as a principal in the government relations firm of firm of Griffin, Johnson, Dover & Stewart, where she represented clients in the music, film and publishing industries.  
                                                                              
Ms. Mann has also served as Administrator for the Office of Legislative and International Affairs at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and as Attorney-Advisor in the same office.  While at the USPTO, she led and participated in numerous multilateral and bilateral intellectual property negotiations and also served as an advisor to the Secretary of Commerce on legislative and policy initiatives affecting the trade aspects of, and the protection of, intellectual property rights. Ms. Mann has focused on legislative and copyright matters as an associate of the law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison, has lobbied for an industry trade association, and has worked as a congressional aide on Capitol Hill.  We are excited to have her knowledge and expertise as an Advisory Board Member, and we know that she will be an invaluable resource to GW's new patent program and its students.

We have a new site!  Please visit gwpatentpractice.blogspot.com.  See you soon!

We have a new site!  Please visit: gwpatentpractice.blogspot.com

See you soon!

Tom Mazzuchi Joins GWMPP Advisory Board

Over the past few months we have built a strong Advisory Board for GW's Master of Patent Practice (MPP) Program.  We are honored to announce that Dr. Thomas A. Mazzuchi, Chair of GW's Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering will join our prestigious and growing list of Advisory Board Members.  Dr. Mazzuchi received GW's Professor of the Year Award on several occasions, and published over 54 refereed journal publications and 15 book chapters since joining GW in 1985.  He is also a Professor of Operations Research and Engineering Management at the University.  We are thrilled that Dr. Mazzuchi will offer his leadership in crafting a solid engineering component into GW's MPP Program, and look forward to our amazing partnership with GW's School of Engineering and Applied Science.

 

 

Land of 10,000 Lakes...or Land of 10,000 Patents?

Having a college roommate from Minnesota showed me first-hand that Minnesotans have an inventive and innovative spirit.  That's why I was not surprised when I read a recent report by the Brookings Institution which listed Rochester third and the Twin Cities ninth among 358 major metropolitan areas in terms of patents produced annually.  San Jose, California and Burlington, Vermont took the top two spots in the report. 

According to the USPTO, Minnesota claimed 3.5 percent of U.S. patents in 2011, but Minnesota has long been a state full of overachievers.  The many med-tech giants that call Minnesota home have kept it on the forefront of innovation and made it the mother of what many researchers term "disruptive technology."  Minnesota's top patent acquiring companies are IBM and 3M, but the exact answer as to why one state may churn out more patents than another is hard to pin down, because there are many factors to consider.  For spots like the Twin Cities, Rochester and Burlington... well...maybe it's simply too cold in the winter months, so time indoors leads to some amazing thinking!  Whatever the reason, I certainly look forward to meeting future students from our North Star State!

Does Art Define Innovation or Vice Versa?

In a unique collaboration between innovation and art, the USPTO recently announced a new partnership with the Smithsonian's Arts and Industries Building in Washington, D.C.  The space will house an "Innovation Pavilion" when it reopens in 2014, to highlight the vital role that patents play in supporting innovation.  The exhibit will also showcase educational programs and serve as a forum for public discussions.  Additionally, on June 20-22, 2013, the USPTO will further collaborate with the Smithsonian to host an Innovation Expo at USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, VA. 

JOB SPOT

Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC has an immediate opening for a Patent Agent or Technical Specialist with 2+ years of experience and a degree in Science or Engineering. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, working directly with inventors in conducting patentability studies and drafting patent applications in the technical areas of consumer goods, semiconductor processing and inorganic chemistry. USPTO registration preferred. The firm’s compensation and benefits package is competitive with other top-level firms. All applications must be accompanied by a resume, cover letter, transcript and writing sample.
Contact:
Qualified candidates should apply by visiting this link: https://lawcruit.micronapps.com/sup/v3/lc_supp_app_frm.aspx?lawfirm=113&id=0. All applications must be accompanied by a resume, cover letter, transcript and writing sample. All questions should be directed to Donna J. Nolan, Manager of Legal Recruiting, at donna.nolan@bipc.com. EOE.
Additional Info:
Employer Type: Law Firm
Job Location: Alexandria, Virginia
 

Can Smart Phones Get Any Smarter?

Could your iPhone be smarter than you in the future?  A patent application published by the USPTO today indicates that a phone or other device empowered with "situational awareness" is a new possibility.  The filing describes various ways that this device would be able to adjust its own volume, switch to vibrate mode, and make other adjustments without even a tap of your finger.  Imagine your phone being "polite enough" to lower its ringtone before you go to bed or to utilize other sensory technology.  But wait...don't get too excited just yet... 

As you know, even if this invention does receive a patent, it may never find its way onto store shelves.  Apple may have no intention of selling this device.  Moreover, as the entire smart phone market has rapidly become more advanced, some engineers have already developed similar types of capabilities, making the determination of what is "new" not all that easy.  As such, this particular patent could be difficult to defend in court, and this application highlights how the explosive growth of technology can present challenges to our patent system.  It also begs the question:  Should applications for advanced technology that are vague be acceptable (and what is considered too vague)?  Check out the Apple Application.

Welcome to the new blog for GW's Master of Patent Practice Program!  Come back and visit for updates related to the launch of this dynamic new program, changes in the field of patent law, career tips and much more.