Ideal for anyone without prior legal knowledge who needs to understand the patent system, this book enables nonspecialists to make well-informed decisions affecting new and patentable products. The third edition covers the new patent law, the America Invents Act, which was recently passed by Congress and signed by the President. This is the first major change to the patent law in almost 60 years and is receiving a great deal of attention. The text provides a detailed analysis and description of the new patent law and how it will affect engineers. All chapters have been updated and include new sidebar case studies. A supporting website features videos and interviews that further explain the patent process.
Preface
Chapter 1 : Patents as Intellectual Property Chapter 2 : Patents - History, Philosophy, and Purpose Chapter 3 : The U.S. Patent System Chapter 4 : The Canadian Patent System Chapter 5 : The Patentable Invention Chapter 6 : The Evolution of a Patent Chapter 7 : The Patent Document As Technical Literature Chapter 8 : The Basic Principles of Patent Searching Chapter 9 : Searching by Hand or Computer? Chapter 10 : Patents as Legal Documents Chapter 11 : Patent Information from the Internet Chapter 12 : Importance of Record-Keeping Chapter 13 : Patents Around the World