Article I Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution provides that “Congress shall have power…to promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries.” Patents are intended to promote the progress of science, but whether in today’s world they continue to serve this purpose, or whether they sometimes stifle innovation is debated.
What rights does a patent confer on the owner? How are patents obtained and enforced? What is and what is not patentable? How do I know what is “claimed” by a patent? When and why should I reach out to a patent attorney? Should I consider a career in patent law? We will explore these topics and questions over the course of an hour, followed by a brief question and answer session.