What can be patented? You can’t patent an idea (like an idea for a better mousetrap), only an application of that idea in a practical invention. Novelty, utility, and non-obviousness — the holy trinity of patents. Your idea has to be manifested in a tangible product or process.
It’s also important to know that you cannot patent things that exist independently of human intervention, as they must be freely available to all humanity for our collective understanding and betterment.
Things can get a little blurry when it comes to software. The Supreme Court has wrestled with this issue for more than 40 years and still hasn’t resolved exactly when software is patentable. You can’t patent computer algorithms since they are mathematical formulas. Software may be patentable, though, if it employs those algorithms to produce a tangible result.
So now that you know what can be patented, what’s holding you back?
Read the full article for more information at: www.michelsonip.com/what-can-be-patented
Brought to you by The Michelson 20MM Foundation & IPO Education Foundation, made possible by the generous support of Alya and Gary Michelson, M.D.
--------------------------------
*An Intellectual Property Series by The Michelson 20MM Foundation & IPO Education Foundation*
Executive Producer: The Michelson 20MM Foundation, IPO Education Foundation, Phil Kim
Producers: Mayra Lombera, Marisa Moosekian
Writer: David Kline
Animation: Derek Porter, Motionimation
Narration: Tony Pasquale
Based on the book: "The Intangible Advantage: Understanding Intellectual Property in the New Economy" - download it for free here: [ Ссылка ].
Written by: David Kline
Executive Editor: David Kappos
with Gary K. Michelson, Kerry L. Bundy, Richard Epstein, Paul Janicke, Paul R. Michel, Robert G. Krupka, Randall G. Kahnke
--------------------------------
michelsonip.com
ipoef.org
If you have questions or comments please email us at info@20mm.org
