In March of 2013, the United States transitioned from being a “First to Invent” to a “First to File” system. Prior to this change, patents were granted to the person who could demonstrate that he or she conceived of the invention first. Under the current “First-to-File” system, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issues patents to the first person … Read More
The U.S. Patent System Turns 225
Today marks the two hundred and twenty-fifth birthday of the U.S. Patent system. The founders of the United States envisioned a system that would establish and enforce property rights in works of authorship and inventions for a limited time in contrast to the chartered monopolies of Europe. Unique in nature, the United States patent system would be established through constitutional and statutory authority. It … Read More
U.S. Patent Number 9,000,000
Today, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued the nine millionth United States utility patent to Matthew Carroll of Jupiter, Florida. The invention is directed to a system and method of collecting and conditioning rainwater and other moisture, such as dew, from the windshield of a vehicle and utilizing the collected fluid to replenish the fluids in the windshield washer … Read More
Congratulations to Michelle Lee
On Monday March 9th, The United States Senate confirmed Michelle Lee as the new director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. She is the first woman to hold this position, and has a resume any patent attorney would love to have. Her background is in electrical engineering and computer science, holding both undergraduate and graduate degrees from M.I.T.. … Read More