Customer Reviews

Patent Fundamentals for Scientists and Engineers, Second Edition

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Note the title -- for Scientists and Engineers. This is not an in depth text that will make you a patent attorney. This is also not a go get a patent yourself type book. This is an introduction to the process of getting a patent and what it is that you have after you get one.

When you work with a patent attorney, the first thing that he has to do is explain to you what you need to do, how you need to document things, the procedure that you're going to have to go through and a whole lot more. This procedure is long and tedious. If the lawyer has to sit and explain it to you, he's going to charge you a bunch. This book does that job for a lot less money, and probably does a better job.

There's one point that needs stressing. After you file for the patent, the application will be declined. This seems to be an unwritten rule of the Patent Office. If they reject it, you're supposed to refile if you think it's worth while. Sort of a test to see if you're serious.

The information in this book is outdated even when it was published. I learned more in 2 lectures on patent law while in university. Its has been made obsolete by more recent revisions by the USPTO.

This book covers the fundamental aspects of patents. The main emphasis is on the US patent system, with a lesser amount of material on Canadian and international patents in general. After a brief history of the patent system, major chapters cover, specifics of the US patent system, Canadian patent system, what are the requirements for an invention to be patented, interpretation of patents as technical literature, patents as legal documents, and what information is needed to defend a patent.
Summary information of the major steps in the current US patent procedurses is outlined. Along with this, a basic glossary rounds out the books contents.
Overall, the material is presented in a clear and consistent pattern. Not a lot of depth of discussion is presented in any one area. The author's intent was to give a brief introduction to the entire area of patents, their uses, limitations, and requirements rather than delve into the arcania of specifics.
The main audience is technical professionals that need a brief background introduction to some of the major concepts involved. The majority of examples are taken from chemical process, substance, and method patents