Patent Law and Regulations
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Patent Strategy course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Absolute Novelty refers to the requirement that an invention must be completely… #
Related terms include Prior Art and Inventive Step. The concept of absolute novelty is crucial in patent law as it ensures that only truly innovative and unique inventions are granted patent protection.
Accelerated Examination is a procedure that allows applicants to expedite the ex… #
Related terms include Expedited Examination and Track One. Accelerated examination can be beneficial for applicants who need to quickly secure patent protection for their inventions.
Administrative Council is the governing body of the European Patent Organisation… #
Related terms include European Patent Office and European Patent Convention. The Administrative Council works to ensure that the European patent system is effective and efficient.
Amendment refers to the process of modifying a patent application or an existing… #
Related terms include Claim Amendment and Patent Amendment. Amendments can be made to strengthen the patent application or to respond to objections raised by the patent office.
Appeal is a procedure that allows applicants to challenge decisions made by the… #
Related terms include Appeal Procedure and Appeal Board. The appeal process provides a safeguard for applicants who believe that the patent office has made an incorrect decision.
Application is a request for a patent, filed with the patent office, it typicall… #
Related terms include Patent Application and Filing Date. The application must meet specific requirements and formalities in order to be considered valid.
Assignment is the transfer of ownership of a patent or patent application from o… #
Related terms include Assignment Agreement and Patent Assignment. Assignments can have significant implications for the parties involved and must be carefully documented.
Attorney is a professional who represents clients in patent matters, such as fil… #
Related terms include Patent Attorney and Intellectual Property Attorney. Attorneys play a crucial role in guiding clients through the complex patent process.
Background Art refers to the existing body of knowledge in a particular field or… #
Related terms include Prior Art and State of the Art. The background art is an important consideration in patent examination and litigation.
Biological Deposit is a deposit of biological material, such as microorganisms o… #
Related terms include Budapest Treaty and Biological Material. Biological deposits are essential for patenting biological inventions.
Certificate of Grant is a document issued by the patent office, confirming that… #
Related terms include Patent Certificate and Grant Certificate. The certificate of grant is an important document that confirms the patent owner's rights.
Claim is a statement that defines the scope of protection sought for an inventio… #
Related terms include Claim Drafting and Claim Interpretation. Claims are carefully crafted to define the boundaries of the invention and to distinguish it from prior art.
Clearing the Way is a procedure that involves removing or avoiding prior… #
Related terms include Obviousness and Novelty. Clearing the way is an important step in the patent process, as it helps to ensure that the invention is novel and non-obvious.
Combination Patent is a type of patent that covers a combination of existing ele… #
Related terms include Combination Invention and Composite Patent. Combination patents can be challenging to obtain, as they must demonstrate a significant improvement over existing technologies.
Commercialization is the process of developing and marketing a patented inventio… #
Related terms include Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property Commercialization. Commercialization is a critical step in realizing the value of a patented invention.
Competition Law refers to the laws and regulations that govern competitive behav… #
Related terms include Antitrust Law and Unfair Competition Law. Competition law plays a crucial role in promoting fair competition and preventing anti-competitive practices.
Computer #
Implemented Invention is a type of invention that involves the use of a computer or software, it requires that the invention be novel and non-obvious in order to be eligible for patent protection. Related terms include Software Patent and Computer-Related Invention. Computer-implemented inventions can be complex and challenging to patent.
Confidentiality Agreement is a contract that requires parties to maintain the co… #
Related terms include Non-Disclosure Agreement and Secrecy Agreement. Confidentiality agreements are essential in protecting sensitive information and preventing unauthorized disclosure.
Continuation Application is a type of patent application that is filed while a p… #
Related terms include Continuation-In-Part Application and Divisional Application. Continuation applications can be useful in refining the patent application and responding to objections.
Contribution is a concept that refers to the idea or innovation that an inventor… #
Related terms include Inventive Contribution and Creative Contribution. The concept of contribution is important in determining the rights of inventors and owners.
Copyright is a type of intellectual property right that protects original litera… #
Related terms include Copyright Law and Intellectual Property Law. Copyrights provide exclusive rights to authors and creators of original works.
Cross #
Licensing is an agreement between two or more parties to exchange patent licenses or other intellectual property rights, it is often used to resolve disputes or to facilitate collaboration. Related terms include Patent Licensing and Technology Licensing. Cross-licensing can be a useful strategy for companies to access new technologies and to reduce the risk of patent infringement.
Damages is a remedy that is available to patent owners who have suffered infr… #
Related terms include Patent Infringement and Intellectual Property Damages. Damages can be significant, and patent owners must carefully consider their options for seeking compensation.
Declaration is a statement that is made by an inventor or applicant, it is often… #
Related terms include Inventor Declaration and Patent Declaration. Declarations can be important in establishing the credibility and authenticity of a patent application.
Deferred Examination is a procedure that allows applicants to delay the examinat… #
Related terms include Delayed Examination and Expedited Examination. Deferred examination can provide flexibility for applicants, but it may also have implications for the patent term.
Deposit is a procedure that involves the deposit of biological material, such as… #
Related terms include Biological Deposit and Budapest Treaty. Deposits are essential for patenting biological inventions and for providing access to the deposited material.
Design Patent is a type of patent that covers the ornamental design of a functio… #
Related terms include Industrial Design and Design Invention. Design patents can be challenging to obtain, as they must demonstrate a significant improvement over existing designs.
Divisional Application is a type of patent application that is filed while a pre… #
Related terms include Continuation Application and Continuation-In-Part Application. Divisional applications can be useful in refining the patent application and responding to objections.
Doctrine of Equivalents is a legal principle that allows a patent owner to asser… #
Related terms include Patent Infringement and Doctrine of Equivalents. The doctrine of equivalents can be a powerful tool for patent owners, but it can also be challenging to apply.
Double Patenting is a situation in which two or more patents are granted to the… #
Related terms include Patent Duplication and Double Patenting Rejection. Double patenting can be avoided through careful patent portfolio management.
Drafting is the process of creating and refining patent claims and descriptions,… #
Related terms include Claim Drafting and Patent Drafting. Drafting is a critical step in the patent process, as it can significantly impact the scope and validity of the patent.
Due Diligence is a process of investigation and analysis that is conducted to as… #
Related terms include Patent Due Diligence and Intellectual Property Due Diligence. Due diligence is essential in evaluating the value and risks associated with a patent portfolio.
Enabling Disclosure is a requirement that the patent application provide suffici… #
Related terms include Enablement and Written Description. The enabling disclosure is a fundamental principle of patent law, as it ensures that the patent application provides sufficient information to support the claims.
Enforcement is the process of asserting patent rights against infringers, it can… #
Related terms include Patent Enforcement and Intellectual Property Enforcement. Enforcement is a critical aspect of patent strategy, as it can help to protect the value of the patent portfolio.
European Patent Convention is an international treaty that established the Europ… #
Related terms include European Patent Office and Patent Cooperation Treaty. The European Patent Convention has played a significant role in shaping patent law and practice in Europe.
Examiner is a person who is responsible for examining patent applications and de… #
Related terms include Patent Examiner and Intellectual Property Examiner. Examiners play a critical role in evaluating the merits of patent applications and in ensuring that only valid patents are granted.
Examination is the process of evaluating a patent application to determine wheth… #
Related terms include Patent Examination and Intellectual Property Examination. Examination is a critical step in the patent process, as it helps to ensure that only valid patents are granted.
Exhaustion is a doctrine that limits the ability of a patent owner to control th… #
Related terms include Patent Exhaustion and Intellectual Property Exhaustion. Exhaustion can be an important consideration in patent strategy, as it can impact the ability to enforce patent rights.
Expert Opinion is a statement or report that is provided by an expert in a parti… #
Related terms include Expert Witness and Technical Expert. Expert opinions can be valuable in evaluating the merits of a patent application or in resolving disputes.
Extension is a procedure that allows a patent owner to extend the term of a pate… #
Related terms include Patent Extension and Term Extension. Extensions can provide additional protection for patent owners, but they can also be subject to challenges and limitations.
Fee is a payment that is made to the patent office in connection with the filing… #
Related terms include Patent Fee and Intellectual Property Fee. Fees are an important consideration in patent strategy, as they can impact the cost and efficiency of the patent process.
File History is a record of all the documents and communications that are filed… #
Related terms include Patent File History and Application File History. The file history can provide valuable insights into the development and prosecution of a patent application.
File Wrapper is a collection of documents and communications that are filed with… #
Related terms include Patent File Wrapper and Application File Wrapper. The file wrapper can be an important resource for understanding the prosecution history of a patent application.
Final Action is a decision that is made by the patent office at the end of the e… #
Related terms include Final Office Action and Final Rejection. The final action can have significant implications for the patent application and the applicant's strategy.
First #
Inventor-to-File is a system that awards patent priority to the first inventor to file a patent application, it is used in the United States and other countries to determine patent priority. Related terms include First-to-File and First-to-Invent. The first-inventor-to-file system can be complex and challenging to navigate.
Foreign Filing is the process of filing a patent application in a country other… #
Related terms include Foreign Patent Application and International Patent Application. Foreign filing can be an important aspect of patent strategy, as it can help to protect inventions in multiple countries.
Formalities is a term that refers to the requirements and procedures that must b… #
Related terms include Patent Formalities and Intellectual Property Formalities. Formalities can be complex and time-consuming, but they are essential for ensuring that the patent application is properly filed and prosecuted.
Freedom #
to-Operate is a concept that refers to the ability of a company or individual to make, use, and sell a product or service without infringing the patent rights of others, it is often used to clear the way for new products or services. Related terms include Freedom to Operate and Patent Clearance. Freedom-to-operate is an important consideration in business strategy, as it can help to minimize the risk of patent infringement.
Gazette is a publication that is issued by the patent office, it contains inform… #
Related terms include Patent Gazette and Intellectual Property Gazette. The gazette can be a valuable resource for researching patent information and tracking patent applications.
Grace Period is a period of time during which an inventor can file a patent appl… #
Related terms include Patent Grace Period and Intellectual Property Grace Period. The grace period can be an important consideration in patent strategy, as it can provide flexibility and protection for inventors.
Infringement is the act of making, using, or selling a patented invention withou… #
Related terms include Patent Infringement and Intellectual Property Infringement. Infringement can have significant consequences, and patent owners must carefully consider their options for enforcement.
Invention is a new and useful creation or discovery that is eligib… #
Related terms include Patent Invention and Intellectual Property Invention. The invention is the core of the patent application, and it must meet specific requirements in order to be eligible for patent protection.
Invalidity is a challenge to the validity of a patent, it can be based on… #
Related terms include Patent Invalidity and Intellectual Property Invalidity. Invalidity can be a significant risk for patent owners, and it must be carefully considered in patent strategy.
Licensing is the process of granting permission to another party to make ,… #
Related terms include Patent Licensing and Intellectual Property Licensing. Licensing can be an important aspect of patent strategy, as it can help to maximize the value of the patent portfolio.
Maintenance Fee is a payment that is made to the patent office to maintain the <… #
Related terms include Patent Maintenance Fee and Intellectual Property Maintenance Fee. Maintenance fees can be significant, and patent owners must carefully consider their options for paying these fees.
Non #
Obviousness is a requirement that an invention must be significantly different from existing technology or knowledge, it is a critical aspect of patentability and validity. Related terms include Obviousness and Inventive Step. Non-obviousness is a challenging requirement to meet, as it requires a deep understanding of the prior art and the invention.
Notice of Allowance is a document that is issued by the patent office when a pat… #
Related terms include Patent Notice of Allowance and Allowance Notice. The notice of allowance is an important milestone in the patent process, as it indicates that the patent application has been successful.
Office Action is a communication that is issued by the patent office during the… #
Related terms include Patent Office Action and Examiner's Action. Office actions can be challenging to respond to, and patent applicants must carefully consider their options for responding.
Opposition is a procedure that allows third parties to challenge the validity… #
Related terms include Patent Opposition and Intellectual Property Opposition. Opposition can be a significant risk for patent owners, and it must be carefully considered in patent strategy.
Patent is a grant of exclusive rights to an inventor or owner for a new a… #
Related terms include Intellectual Property and Patent Rights. The patent is a critical aspect of intellectual property law, as it provides a powerful tool for protecting and enforcing innovation.
Patent Application is a request for a patent, filed with the patent office, it t… #
Related terms include Patent Filing and Intellectual Property Application. The patent application is the first step in the patent process, and it must meet specific requirements in order to be considered valid.
Patent Cooperation Treaty is an international treaty that provides a framework f… #
Related terms include International Patent Application and Patent Cooperation. The Patent Cooperation Treaty has played a significant role in promoting international cooperation and harmonization in patent law.
Patent Infringement is the act of making, using, or selling a patented invention… #
Related terms include Intellectual Property Infringement and Patent Enforcement. Patent infringement can have significant consequences, and patent owners must carefully consider their options for enforcement.
Patent Office is a government agency that is responsible for administering</i… #
Related terms include Intellectual Property Office and Patent Agency. The patent office plays a critical role in the patent process, as it is responsible for evaluating the merits of patent applications and granting patents.
Patent Portfolio is a collection of patents and patent applications that are own… #
Related terms include Intellectual Property Portfolio and Patent Collection. The patent portfolio is a critical aspect of business strategy, as it can provide a competitive advantage and help to drive innovation.
Patent Prosecution is the process of filing and prosecuting a patent application… #
Related terms include Patent Application and Intellectual Property Prosecution. Patent prosecution can be complex and challenging, and patent applicants must carefully consider their options for responding to office actions and arguing for allowance.
Patent Search is a process of searching for patent documents and liter… #
Related terms include Patent Clearance and Freedom to Operate. Patent searches can be time-consuming and require specialized expertise, but they are essential for evaluating the merits of a patent application.
Patent Term is the length of time during which a patent is in force, it can vary… #
Related terms include Patent Life and Intellectual Property Term. The patent term is a critical aspect of patent strategy, as it can impact the value and enforceability of the patent.
Patent Troll is a company or individual that asserts patent rights agains… #
Related terms include Patent Assertion Entity and Non-Practicing Entity. Patent trolls can be a challenge for companies and individuals, and patent owners must carefully consider their options for responding to assertions.
Patentability is the requirement that an invention must meet certain criteria, s… #
Related terms include Patent Requirements and Intellectual Property Patentability. Patentability is a challenging requirement to meet, as it requires a deep understanding of the prior art and the invention.
Prior Art is a term that refers to the existing body of knowledge in a particula… #
Related terms include Background Art and State of the Art. Prior art is a critical aspect of patent law, as it provides a benchmark for evaluating the merits of a patent application.
Priority Date is the date on which a patent application is first filed, it can b… #
Related terms include Filing Date and Effective Filing Date. The priority date is an important consideration in patent strategy, as it can impact the validity and enforceability of the patent.
Provisional Application is a type of patent application that is filed to establi… #
Related terms include Provisional Patent Application and Temporary Patent Application. Provisional applications can provide flexibility and protection for inventors, but they must be carefully considered in patent strategy.
Public Disclosure is the act of making an invention publicly available , i… #
Related terms include Public Availability and Disclosure. Public disclosure can be a significant risk for inventors, as it can impact the validity and enforceability of the patent.
Re #
Examination is a procedure that allows a patent to be re-examined in light of new information or prior art, it can be useful for challenging the validity of a patent or for clarifying the scope of a patent. Related terms include Patent Re-Examination and Intellectual Property Re-Examination. Re-examination can be a powerful tool for challenging the validity of a patent, but it can also be complex and challenging to navigate.
Reissue is a procedure that allows a patent to be re #
issued with changes or corrections, it can be useful for clarifying the scope of a patent or for correcting errors in the patent. Related terms include Patent Reissue and Intellectual Property Reissue. Reissue can be an important aspect of patent strategy, as it can help to strengthen the patent and provide additional protection.
Request for Re #
Examination is a document that is filed with the patent office to request the re-examination of a patent, it can be useful for challenging the validity of a patent or for clarifying the scope of a patent. Related terms include Re-Examination Request and Patent Re-Examination. The request for re-examination can be a powerful tool for challenging the validity of a patent, but it must be carefully considered in patent strategy.
Search Report is a document that is issued by the patent office, it contains inf… #
Related terms include Patent Search Report and Intellectual Property Search Report. The search report can be an important resource for evaluating the merits of a patent application and for identifying potential risks and challenges.
Section 101 is a provision of the patent law that defines the types of invention… #
Related terms include Patent Eligibility and Subject Matter Eligibility. Section 101 is a critical aspect of patent law, as it provides a framework for evaluating the eligibility of inventions for patent protection.
Software Patent is a type of patent that covers software #
related inventions, it can be challenging to obtain, as it requires that the invention be novel and non-obvious in order to be eligible for patent protection. Related terms include Computer-Implemented Invention and Software-Related Invention. Software patents can be complex and challenging to obtain, but they can provide significant protection for software developers and owners.
Specification is a document that is filed with the patent office, it contains a… #
Related terms include Patent Specification and Intellectual Property Specification. The specification is a critical aspect of the patent application, as it provides a detailed description of the invention and the scope of the patent.
State of the Art is a term that refers to the existing body of knowledge in a pa… #
Related terms include Prior Art and Background Art. The state of the art is a critical aspect of patent law, as it provides a benchmark for evaluating the merits of a patent application.
Subject Matter Eligibility is a requirement that an invention must be eligible f… #
Related terms include Patent Eligibility and Section 101. Subject matter eligibility is a critical aspect of patent law, as it provides a framework for evaluating the eligibility of inventions for patent protection.
Supplemental Examination is a procedure that allows a patent owner to request th… #
Related terms include Patent Re-Examination and Intellectual Property Re-Examination. Supplemental examination can be a powerful tool for strengthening the patent and providing additional protection.
Term Extension is a procedure that allows a patent owner to extend the term of a… #
Related terms include Patent Extension and Intellectual Property Term Extension. Term extension can provide additional protection for patent owners, but it can also be subject to challenges and limitations.
Trade Secret is a type of intellectual property that is used to protect confi… #
Related terms include Intellectual Property and Confidential Information. Trade secrets can be an important aspect of business strategy, as they can provide a competitive advantage and help to protect valuable information.
Trademark is a type of intellectual property that is used to protect brands</… #
Related terms include Intellectual Property and Brand Protection. Trademarks can be an important aspect of business strategy, as they can help to establish a brand identity and provide a competitive advantage.
Utility Model is a type of intellectual property that is used to protect func… #
Related terms include Patent and Intellectual Property. Utility models can be an important aspect of business strategy, as they can provide a competitive advantage and help to protect functional and useful inventions.
Validity is a concept that refers to the legitimacy and enforceability… #
Related terms include Patent Validity and Intellectual Property Validity. Validity is a critical aspect of patent law, as it provides a framework for evaluating the legitimacy and enforceability of a patent.
Vienna Classification is a system of classification that is used to categorize <… #
Related terms include Patent Classification and Intellectual Property Classification. The Vienna Classification can be an important resource for searching and retrieving patent information, as it provides a standardized system for categorizing patent documents and literature.
Withdrawal is a procedure that allows a patent applicant to withdraw a patent ap… #
Related terms include Patent Withdrawal and Intellectual Property Withdrawal.