1. Introduction to Patents 2008-2009

2. Your Subject Librarian in Troy Colette Holmes E-Mail: holmec@rpi.eduholmec@rpi.edu Voice Mail: 518-276-8331 Office: Main Floor, Folsom Library In Folsom Library: Mon - Fri, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM Also available by appointment.

3. Copyright U.S. Copyright Office Concerns artistic or literary expression. Examples – books, pictures, jewelry design, movie, music

4. U.S. Patent & Trademark Office More than 7 million patents since 1790. Oldest US trademark 1870 (Avrill Paints eagle logo) – No longer in use. Website: http://www.uspto.gov/http://www.uspto.gov/ Provides search engine.

5. Trademark Concerns words, names, symbols, sounds, or colors that distinguish goods/services. As long as being used can be renewed. Oldest known: Circa 1241 AD Poland (salt mine) Examples: brand name Coca-Cola; shape of Coca-Cola bottle.

6. What is a Patent? Exclusive rights granted to inventor or assignee. U.S. patents effective in U.S., territories, and possessions. Depending on type of patent, term of patent is from 14-20 years.

7. Types of Patents Utility New, useful, and “non-obvious” process, machine, article of manufacture, or any new and useful improvement thereof (Coffee cup sleeve) Design New, original, and ornamental design for article of manufacture (Design of coffee cup sleeve) Plant Invents or discovers and asexually reproduces any distinct and new variety of plant (New variety of rose)

8. Google Patents vs. USPTO Keyword Search: (Google, 1790 - ; USPTO, 1976 -) Printing: (Google, one fell swoop); (USPTO, one page at a time which requires TIFF software) Updated: (Google – monthly); (USPTO – weekly) Search Fields: ( USPTO has more; 1790 -1975 searchable only by Issue Date, Patent Number, and Current U.S. Classification. )

9. Miscellaneous Information From Application to Issue – About 31 months. Patent Pending – No protection; Unlawful to market as such if no application; Manufacturer gets head start. Patent agents and attorneys. Play-Doh – In the market 1955; patented 1964. Tough topics - Class searching; Nucleic or amino acids.

10. More about Patents Nolo’s Patents for Beginners. 2006.Nolo’s Patents for Beginners Intellectual Property (REF KF2980.W484 2008, Main floor, Folsom Library) How Are Patents Organized? (freepatentsonline) Please note: Some services associated with this website require an account.How Are Patents Organized? Guide to Patents (Colette Holmes)Guide to Patents

11. Introduction to Patents The End Fall 2008