Introduction to Patent LawIntroduction to Patent Law

Class Notes: January 14, 2003Class Notes: January 14, 2003

Law 677 | Patent Law | Spring 2003Law 677 | Patent Law | Spring 2003

Professor WagnerProfessor Wagner

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Today’s AgendaToday’s Agenda

1. Administration & Course Information

2. The History of the U.S. Patent System

3. Patent Structure: What is a Patent?

4. Basics of Patent Prosecution

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Course AdministrationCourse Administration

1.1. Course web site: Course web site: patents.pennlaw.net/sp2003/patents.pennlaw.net/sp2003/

2.2. AssignmentsAssignments• Readings

o Casebook, Supplement (downloadable)o Relatively Heavy ~ 30-50 pp. per classo All students “on call” each day (mostly

volunteers)

• Commentary Posts (CPs)o Short essays on topic-of-the-dayo See web site for more details, examples, etc.o Key: don’t forget

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Course Administration Course Administration (ii)(ii)

3.3. Bulletin BoardBulletin Board• http://bulletin.law.upenn.edu/ (also linked

from web site)• Use it to post CPs; also for questions and

discussion• Check-in by Thursday’s class

4.4. Grading SchemeGrading Scheme• Final Exam: 60%

o Multiple choice, true-false (long fact patterns)

• Commentary posts: 25% (two during the term)• Course participation: 15% (includes bulletin

board)

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Course Administration Course Administration (iii)(iii)

5.5. Class NotesClass Notes• Typically available before class (PDF)

6.6. Class AudioClass Audio• All classes recorded, linked to web site (MP3s)• Important: use the microphones to talk

7.7. Contacting meContacting me• Email is best: pwagner@law.upenn.edu• Office: T-333 (Library), 215.898.4356• Hours: Wednesday, Friday - 10:30-11:30 AM• Generally available Tuesday-Friday 9:30 to 5:30 (or

by appointment)

8.8. No food in classroom (drinks fine)No food in classroom (drinks fine)

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History of the US Patent SystemHistory of the US Patent System

Article I, § 8, cl. 8:Article I, § 8, cl. 8:[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.

Patent Statute:Patent Statute:• 35 U.S.C. et seq.• Since 1790• Most recently new in 1952 (The ‘52 Act)

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History of the US Patent SystemHistory of the US Patent System

Structure of the Patent SystemStructure of the Patent System

1.1. Prosecution Phase (also: Examination)Prosecution Phase (also: Examination)• Administrative Agency (USPTO)• End: an “Issued Patent”

2.2. Enforcement PhaseEnforcement Phase• Private actions (civil suits, enforced by

patentees)• Litigation under federal law

o Where? 28 U.S.C. § 1338 (p. 28); 28 U.S.C. § 1295 (p. 26)

• The Federal Circuit

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The Structure of PatentsThe Structure of Patents

US Patent No. 6,203,230US Patent No. 6,203,230

1.1. SpecificationSpecificationa) Front pageb) Abstract

c)c) Written DescriptionWritten Description1) Description of Technical Field2) Background of the Invention3) Summary of the Invention4) Detailed Description of the Invention

2.2. DrawingsDrawings

3.3. ClaimsClaims

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Patent Prosecution BasicsPatent Prosecution Basics

The Life of a PatentThe Life of a Patent

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Patent Prosecution BasicsPatent Prosecution Basics

Key Points about ProsecutionKey Points about Prosecution

1. Ex parte process

2. Private/secret (for 24 months)

3. Procedures allow “continuing” applications

a) Around 90% of all applications eventually result in a

patent

b) Internal procedural incentives to issue patents

4. Two-stage appeals

1. Board Patent Appeals and Interferences (Board)

2. Federal Circuit (also: District DC + Fed. Cir.)

5. Reexamination (ex parte, inter-partes)

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Next ClassNext Class

Patent Economics IPatent Economics IThe Basis of Patent LawThe Basis of Patent Law