A patent is an exclusive right granted by a government to an inventor for a limited time in exchange for public disclosure of their invention. Patents allow the inventor to exclude others from making, using, or selling their invention and can be sold or licensed, while the patent owner must enforce their rights through legal action. The patent system incentivizes innovation but faces criticism for potentially hindering further innovation and granting rights for already-known inventions.

1. Patents--OverviewBy Saul Aguilar

2. E=mc2 by Einstein??

3. What is a “Patent?”Apatent (pronounced /ˈpætənt/ or /ˈpeɪtənt/) is a set of exclusive rights granted by a state (national government) to an inventor or their assignee for a limited period of time in exchange for a public disclosure of an invention.**Source: Wikipedia

4. What does that mean?!

5. OverviewDefine it some more!Anyone who invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof.*ExclusionsIn certain countries, business methods and mental acts. (See Bilski case)*Source: Wikipedia

6. Types of PatentsUtility BiologicalRecombinant DNABusiness Methods (excluded in some countries)ChemicalSoftware (hot topic)

7. So what?A patent is not a right to use said invention.Excludes other from:making, using, selling, offering for sale, or importing the patented invention for the term of the patent.Basically:Patents are limited property rights. It may be sold, licensed, mortgaged, assigned or transferred, given away, or simply abandoned.Patents cannot be exploited—Mouse trap design

8. EnforcementPatents can only be enforced by civil lawsuit.France and Austria are the exceptions.Inventor will seek compensation for infringement. Must establish at least one claim of the patent is being infringed upon.

9. Patent LicensingPatent licensing agreements:Contracts in which patent owner forgoes right to sue a licensee.Done in return for royalty or compensation.Companies cross-licenseLicense to each otherShare benefits

10. How do I get one of those?Must apply at a relevant patent office.Some countries require “best mode”How will it helpUse drawingsApplication includes one to two claims.Patent must meet Patentability requirements.

11. But…why?Four main incentives behind the patent system:to invent in the first placeto disclose the invention once madeto invest the sums necessary to experiment, produce and market the inventionto design around and improve upon earlier patents

12. CriticismsBeing granted to “already-known” inventions.Conferring a “negative-right” upon the patent ownerPatents may hinder innovation:Patent trollsPharmaceutical patents

13. Thank youAny questions?